Dear Church Member,
I greet you with heartfelt warmth, assured that the Lord’s grace is upon you and that you are thriving both in your spirit and your physical wellbeing. It is always a joy to reach out to you, knowing that you are part of God’s flock. However, as I have been observing your spiritual journey from a distance, my heart has become burdened with several concerns. These concerns stem not from a place of criticism, but from deep love and care for your soul. I feel compelled to address these matters, trusting that you will receive them with an open heart and a willingness to reflect. If these points apply to you, I am confident that you will consider them thoughtfully and seek to make amends where needed.
Reassessing Your Priorities
One of the most pressing issues I’ve noticed is the shift in your focus. It seems that you have gradually become more preoccupied with material things, often at the expense of your spiritual growth. This world, as we know it, is temporary; we are mere pilgrims passing through. Yet, the way you invest your time and energy suggests that you may have forgotten this. I am deeply concerned by how much emphasis you place on acquiring worldly possessions and engaging in activities that hold no eternal significance.
Consider this: how much of your daily routine is dedicated to your relationship with God? When was the last time you sat down to read your Bible—not out of obligation, but out of a desire to commune with God? How often do you spend quality time in prayer, bringing before God the matters of your heart, your family, and your community? Have you found yourself rushing through spiritual exercises, treating them as mere tasks to check off your list?
Jesus made it clear when He said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Where does your treasure truly lie? If heaven is your ultimate goal, then your life here on earth must reflect that. No one stumbles into heaven by accident. It is a prepared place for prepared people. So, the question is: Are you preparing for eternity, or are you building your life around things that will one day pass away?
Reigniting Your Passion for Spiritual Involvement
Another area that worries me is your growing disengagement from spiritual activities. Being a part of the body of Christ is not the final destination—it is just the beginning of the journey. However, I have noticed that you have become somewhat complacent. You have delegated the responsibility of evangelism to preachers and church leaders, but let me remind you that evangelism is a shared duty. The Great Commission was given to all believers, not just a select few. (Matthew 28:19).
What troubles me further is your enthusiasm for earthly matters compared to your lukewarmness for the things of God. I have seen the passion with which you defend political positions, sports teams, or social causes. Yet, where is that same passion when it comes to discussing the gospel? Your social media presence is filled with commentary on politics, entertainment, and worldly affairs, but there is little to no mention of Christ. If you were to channel even a fraction of that passion into evangelism, imagine the souls you could win for the Kingdom!
Consider how much time you spend following football leagues, analyzing player statistics, and discussing team strategies. What if you used that time to study Scripture and engage in meaningful conversations about your faith? It concerns me that you can eloquently argue the merits of a particular football coach’s tactics, yet struggle to explain the core tenets of your Christian faith to someone who is seeking. As the Apostle Paul exhorts us in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” You must not remain silent or passive when it comes to sharing the gospel.
Reflecting Christ in Your Conduct
As believers, we are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). This means that our lives should reflect the character and beauty of Christ in everything we do. But I wonder: have you taken the time to reflect on whether your life, both online and offline, is truly pointing people to Jesus?
How do your coworkers perceive you? Are you known for your integrity, kindness, and humility? Do they see Christ in the way you handle pressure, conflict, and responsibility? In social settings, when you are among friends at a bar or other social gatherings, do your actions still glorify God? It is one thing to profess faith in Jesus, but quite another to live it out in the daily choices we make.
I want to ask you directly: What message do you send when you visit places that compromise your witness, such as betting shops or venues that don’t align with Christian values? Your actions are being observed, and whether you realize it or not, they have a significant impact on the people around you. The mechanic who fixes your car, the cashier at the store, the people you interact with online—these individuals form their perception of Christ based on how you live your life. Your conduct may be the first (and sometimes only) exposure they have to the gospel.
Therefore, it is crucial to live in such a way that your life radiates Christ. As the Apostle Paul encourages us, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Every interaction, every conversation, every decision—let it be an opportunity to reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus.
Seeking God’s Blessings the Right Way
Lastly, I notice that you have been fervently bringing a long list of requests before God. While it is good to make your needs known to Him, I urge you to pause and reflect on whether there are any barriers between you and God. Isaiah 59:1-2 reminds us that sin can separate us from God and prevent His blessings from flowing into our lives. Is there anything in your heart or your life that may be hindering your prayers from being answered?
The time to make a U-turn is now. Like the prodigal son who realized his error and returned to his father’s house, you too can experience restoration and joy if you turn back to God in repentance and humility. It is far better to make that change now, while there is still time, than to continue down a path that leads away from Him.
In Conclusion
My dear friend, the worst thing that can happen to any of us is to think we are heading toward heaven, only to realize that our actions are leading us in the opposite direction. Heaven is real, and so is hell. Each day brings us closer to one or the other, depending on how we live and where we place our priorities. I pray that you will take these words to heart and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in making the necessary changes.
Thank you for considering the concerns I have raised. I write this letter not from a place of superiority but as someone who is also walking this journey with you. I, too, am striving daily to stay on the narrow path, trusting that the Lord will help me meet His Son when the final curtain falls.
May God bless you abundantly and grant you the grace to live a life worthy of your calling. Stay blessed, and have a wonderful Lord’s Day.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Mike Udam is a School Teacher and Village Preacher Ogoja, Nigeria
