He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord...

II Thessalonians 1:7-9, NIV

It is fascinating to see how many, otherwise, serious and intelligent people are just "ditty bopping" their way to the Judgment. It's not that they don't believe in God - they do, and it's not that they don't believe that the Bible is God's word - again, they do. But, they don't think about things of eternal consequence - not when there are so many interesting and important physical things to hold their attention.

It's interesting, isn't it, how important the physical things seem at the time. People will spend vast amounts of time trying to figure out how to squeeze out one more dollar from their investments. They will spend years pursuing higher education in order to land jobs that will pay higher salaries. They will spend hours each day making sure that their bodies are physically fit. Now, there is nothing wrong with prudent investing or improving one's self intellectually or wanting a healthier lifestyle. But, it is amazing how often these wealthy, educated and physically fit people will ignore their eternity while pursuing a more quality life here on earth. It's like  a meth addict who trades 5 minutes of pleasure for a lifetime of misery: It's a poor trade.

This is where you and I come in. Have you ever thought of encouraging a friend or family member to become more serious when it comes to pursuing eternal life, but were just too afraid that you might somehow offend them? I think we all have, but consider the risk we are taking: We are betting their eternal soul that they will come to the truth in another way. The fact is, whether we like it or not, you and I are someone's best chance to come to God and Christ - so take that chance.

Here's how you do it. Invite a friend to church. You can tell them what I tell them: "The preaching's not very good but the people are friendly". They might not come, but they might. You can wake up that lazy family of yours (or that hard working family if that's the case) and get them dressed and to the worship. They might grumble, they might whine, but they also might begin a closer relationship with God. You might also start reading your Bible more. It's hard, I know, but it was hard for Christ to die on that cross for your sins, too. Now, inviting a friend to worship, getting your family up for Sunday school and reading the Bible not might change your life or save their souls... but it might. And it is worth the risk!

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life. 

I John 5:11-12, NIV