Do We Proclaim an Urgent Message?

Many times our attempt to warn people of coming punishment in an eternal Hell mirrors Lot's failed attempt to get his prospective sons-in-law to flee the city. They thought he was jesting (Genesis 19:14). Certainly there was no conviction in his words, because there was no urgency in his own heart. He was not anxious to leave the city and would himself have been destroyed had the angels not forcibly removed him from the premises (Genesis 19:16). He revealed how little he understood the peril by begging to go to a different city, thinking that his life would be in danger in the hills, not realizing that his life was on the line with every moment he hesitated (Genesis 19:19, 20). He then apparently dawdled on his way to Zoar (Genesis 19:23). It was not until God's judgment fell that he grasped the seriousness of the situation (Genesis 19:30). But lest we stand in judgment of Lot, we should consider our own efforts at evangelism. John 3:18 clearly proclaims the truth that everyone must either trust Christ for salvation from the penalty of their sins, or else they will receive the condemnation under which they are already living. Matthew 25:41 and 46 says that this condemnation is eternal punishment in unquenchable fire. Why do we dawdle at warning people of their peril and directing them to the way of salvation? Do we even believe God's Word? Do we recognize how we ourselves have been snatched like dry twigs out of the fire? When will we forsake the meaningless pleasures of this life for the cause of winning souls? Must we wait until we see God's judgment fall before we grasp the urgency of the Great Commission?