A Burden

In 1994 a year-long $500,000 renovation finally completed on the Washington Monument. In the lobby of the monument were found interesting graffiti writing covered over when it was decorated at the turn of the century. They were found when workers removed marble wainscoting, revealing the graffiti from the 1800s. The writings were of quite a different tone from that which is usually found today on the sides of buildings. The inscription, which can now be viewed by visitors to the monument, reads: “Whoever is the human instrument under God in the conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and enduing (sic) than this.” It is signed “BFB”. No one knows who that was, or who left the small drawings and 19th century dates on other walls. 

We have so many burdens upon us, but none is laid more heavily than the burden for a soul. I have no idea why any believer would not feel this incredible weight. As BFB said on a wall so many years ago, “…a human instrument under God…” that alone should make us realize Who is involved in this with us. Secondly, the: “…conversion of a soul…” is obviously the goal. He says that this “…erects a monument to his own memory…” not that this is our goal, but it certainly is true. I will never forget those who shared with me the Gospel. Their memory will live on as long as I do. 

Paul felt this burden, more I think that I do. In Romans 9.2-3 he said— “That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:” The apostle Paul had something essential for effective evangelism… a God-given burden for those who did not know Jesus Christ. Pretty simple, but very profound. In his case, the burden was for his own people, the Jews. He more than cared, it burned inside him like a flame. We too should be just as burdened for our own people. But it doesn’t stop there does it? This week the U.N.’s population division calculated that our world population is now 8 billion. 8 billion people with an eternal soul. 8 billion in need of someone to have a burden for them. 8 billion people waiting for you and I to put ourselves under the hand of God and tell a simple story. 

General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, once said: “It’s my desire, had it been possible, to dangle my evangelism trainees over Hell for 24 hours… that way, they could see the reality that awaits those who do not know Jesus Christ.” That wouldn’t have been necessary for Paul, who spoke of his love and burning passion for unbelievers. It seems he didn’t let himself become so obsessed with his own struggles as we tend to do. Today, it’s popular to focus on our own spiritual growth, that we forget about people who need to know Christ. Too much petty bickering and politicking in churches today, that most can’t see the burden laid upon them from God Himself. A burden, that’s actually a privilege. That God would chose to us, is beyond me. 

I think Paul makes an amazing statement in Romans 9 when he basically says, ‘If it were possible, I would give up my hope of eternal life so that others who do not know could come to faith.’ Is that overly dramatic, maybe hyperbolic? I don’t think so. It’s his actual burden, the reality of his heart. 

As believers, you and I have a responsibility, yes a responsibility to those outside of the faith. If God’s love is really working in our lives, it should motivate us to do something for Him. He brought this burden to us, we also have a responsibility to Him. If you pray that God will give you this burden, then be ready. He has already begun. The results could be life-changing.