The other day at work, after I greeted a few people by name both at the front counter and in the drive through, a new employee asked me that question “Miss Beth!  How many people do you know??”

I burst out laughing and then said, “a lot!”  And it is true.  We have lived here 16 years, and I have worked with, gone to church with, and ministered to a  LOT of people…plus I am NOT shy!  And I love the friendships and close connections I have..it keeps me busy and my prayer life fresh with all those God has blessed me by putting in my life.

But of course the more I thought about her question, the more God used it to make me think about this whole “knowing” thing. With some of those, I REALLY know them..including their faith  (or lack thereof) and they know mine.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and He is the glue that holds us all together as we walk through life.

And yet! God said to me…there are so many more I DON’T know about their spiritual condition. I have been guilty too many times of saying “well they are nice good people who must love Jesus because they are decent, caring and I like them.”  Wow! What an inconsiderate and dangerous view I have sometimes!  In this crazy mixed up world we live in, where TRULY Jesus could come back at ANY moment, I have been very cavalier about where anyone/everyone may be going after this life.  And I had to confess and ask God’s forgiveness for judging books by their cover..their actions and attitudes..and using those as a gauge of whether they know Jesus or not..without bothering to find out for sure.

So, the question to all of is, “how many people DO YOU KNOW??”  Maybe you are like me and have a long list, or maybe you only have 10 or so..but regardless the question is the same!  Do you know where those people are with Jesus?  And if you don’t are you going to change that?  May God help us all in these potential “last days” to lead as many people as He has put in our circles as possible to KNOW Him!!