By Rev. Samuel Boodle, For The Guardian

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ... (I Peter 3:15)

We have all gone to funerals and listened to the good words people use to describe the life of the deceased. I have heard some very pleasant things said about some very unpleasant and worthless people.

Does it really matter what people say about you when you are dead and gone? Some of you would say yes. "I want people to think well of me when I am gone." What good will it do for you if people say good things about you when you are dead? Do you think it will matter?

No! It will not matter because people's thoughts about you — good or bad — are of little significance when you are dead. What matters most is the way you lived your life in the eyes of God.

If the Lord were to call you to give an account of your life's work today, this very moment, what would be your response? Can you truly say, "Lord I have been busy telling people about you and the wonderful things you have done in my life. Lord, your word is constantly in my mouth. I try to engage those with whom I come into contact on a daily basis." Can you say that?

Saint Peter encourages you to make Christ special in your life and to, "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

Yet, in sharing your faith, do not be arrogant or overbearing. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. Therefore, when you share your faith, do so with gentleness, and love. Let the world see Jesus in you. The way you carry yourself, speaks about the one who lives in you.

Scripture tells us, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord ... He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." — (Jer 17:7-8 NIV)

There are people at your work place, in your community, in your family who need to hear the good news of the Gospel. Some of them are dying for someone to invite them to church and to learn about God and the miracles he can work in their lives. They hear about this loving, gracious and merciful God, but no one has taken the time to share God with them. Be prepared at all times to share the Gospel and tell the world about the loving God who has made a difference in your life.

When you are dead it does not matter what people say about you. They cannot hurt your feelings. They cannot change the course of eternity for you. But it is important what God thinks about you. He has the key to eternal life. Are you prepared to share your Christian faith?

I pray that you are prepared to share your Christian faith and that you do so as often as you get the opportunity. Tell them about the God of your life. Let people know that He lives with you and in you. But more importantly, let them see that He lives in you.

* Rev. Samuel Boodle can be reached at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, P. O. Box N4794, Nassau, Bahamas or telephone 323-4107.