Be warned!

"I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84.10

Though he does not say so explicitly, mediaeval mystic Thomas à Kempis may have been harping on the above verse from the Psalms when he prayed: "I'd rather be a sojourner on earth with God, than dwell in heaven alone." That may sound unsurprising for a "holy" person but it's amazing how many people want - even expect - a heaven without God!

The evidence lies in the way in which public life is airbrushing God out of the picture, individuals are shunning the Church and Christians are increasingly shy, or scared, of sharing their faith. It all amounts to a significant betrayal of Jesus, who set aside his glory so that we might inherit eternal life. Yet he warns ".... whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."

Salvation is a gift, a privilege. With privilege comes responsibility. At baptism ceremonies, Christians are reminded of our duty to live before all of God's children in a kindly and Christians way and to show and to share the love of God. This is not an invitation or an option; it is a command.