What a short conversation! It consisted of only one question with little sincerity in it, and an answer, rough, pointed, and true.
"Here, Bill, you're a Christian man; tell us all about eternal life.”
"What would be the use?" This was Bill's answer. "It isn't eternal life you want—it's beer.”
Reader, are you shocked at such an answer? Does your nature shrink from its bluntness? Yet which is worse—the answer, or the truth of the answer?
Is it not true that thousands prefer "beer" to God's blessing—exciting fiction to God's truth—gambling to eternal verities—worldly entertainment to heavenly prospects—the passing pleasures of sin to the everlasting portion of the Christian—eternity without Christ to an endless life in the Father's house?
After all, was it not true kindness for Bill to speak out the truth, shocking as it was? Surely!
Now reader, let me ask you pointedly, what are you preferring to eternal life?
You will bitterly regret the loss of eternal life, when you lose the thing you are now preferring to it. Do you desire money? You must leave it. Are you seeking pleasure? It will come to an end. Whatever may be your present goal, the pleasures of sin endure but for a season—and then, ETERNITY.
Do you fear that in seeking the Lord in earnest, trusting Him as Savior, and receiving the blessing of eternal life, you will lose? On the contrary, you will begin to "see life," that which is life indeed. "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36).
Only by receiving Christ can you begin to understand what true joy is.
"The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing." Rom. 15:1313Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13). As a believer in the Savior you will look back upon your former life as insipid and empty. You will discover that, for you, heaven has begun on earth.