All through life, ever since they were classmates at college, a noted senator from Georgia and a Christian colleague of his were fast friends.
The senator was an unconverted man, and lived a godless life. He had, however, married an earnest Christian woman, whom he regarded with feelings akin to veneration.
One day, while visiting at the senator's lovely home, the Christian friend opened a conversation with his host by saying: "Something's going to happen after a while that will go mighty hard with you, Senator.”
"What's that?" asked the senator.
"You and your dearly loved wife will be separated. She's going to heaven, and you will go to hell.”
“No, that can't be," the startled husband exclaimed.
“Yes, it can; and it will be unless you repent and seek salvation. You will be separated from her forever.”
The senator was silent for a few minutes, and then said: "You know, I can't stand that I could never stand such a thing.”
That conversation bore fruit in the senator's conversion. As a guilty sinner he knelt at the Savior's feet, entreated Him for pardon, and henceforward walked hand in hand with his wife as they both sought to lead a consistent Christian life.
It is a terrible thought that those who are now traveling together happily down the stream of life may soon be separated for all eternity because one has been saved through the blood of Christ, and the other still spurns Him and slights His gracious call. How much more dreadful is the thought of a soul separated for all eternity from the mighty love of Him who died to save that soul from eternal damnation! Friend, can you stand that?