A few years ago, I flew to Texas to see family, and two questions kept replaying in my mind—questions I’m confident would get similar answers from all of us: Have you ever sinned? And are you comfortable sharing your faith with others?
In just a few hours of travel, I crossed paths with thousands of people—TSA lines, airport lounges, flights, and Uber rides—and it hit me: why is it so difficult to share the message of hope with the very people God places right in front of us?
The Bible says we’re all marred by sin—and that sin leads to death. If we’ve been given the message of life, why do we hesitate to open that door for others?
Picture this: you’re at the beach and you notice someone drowning. You’re safe on the shore—warm and comfortable—while they struggle for air and call for help. Then you spot a life jacket sitting on the sand. What would you do? Most of us would grab it and throw it. Many would jump in to help. You wouldn’t stand there and watch.
Jesus is the Life. His Word is the life jacket. Jesus has already done the saving work—our responsibility is to point people to Him and get the “life jacket” into their hands.
Here’s what we all know but don’t always sit with: 100% of people will die. We’re all in that club. And we’re also all in this one: 100% of us are sinners. Even the best men among us still carry the same condition that began with Adam.
Romans 5:12 says, “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin… death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Without Christ, the end result is what I’ll call the “Double D” club: Death and Distance—death of this body and eternal separation from our Father in Heaven.
So what do we do?
First: If you’ve never received Jesus’ free gift of salvation, call on Him today. Ask God, through His Son, to forgive your sins and save you.
Second: Salvation leads to abiding. Jesus says in John 15, “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me, you can do nothing.” Real faith stays connected to Christ.
Third: Start handing out life jackets. Share the gospel with the people God puts in your path. And when it costs you comfort—when it means you “get wet”—do it anyway. God did the work through His Son. From the manger to the cross, Jesus took the burden on Himself. Now we have the privilege of telling others.
And if sharing your faith feels intimidating, don’t get discouraged. It’s hard for many of us. If you’re unsure how to talk about what God has done—or you’re wrestling with questions—come to next month’s RTM breakfast. Get around other men. We’re in this together.
So what does this have to do with Christmas? Christmas is the reminder that God stepped into our world to rescue us. Many of us didn’t realize we were headed for Death and Distance until someone cared enough to tell us the truth.
By grace, God gives gifts we don’t deserve—and it began with the birth of His Son, Jesus. This Christmas, let’s humble ourselves, thank God for the gift of Christ, and honor Him by telling others. God didn’t hold back; He gave His best.
I’m thankful for each of you, Red Truck Men, and for what God is doing through us. He didn’t only give us a life jacket—He’s entrusted us with life jackets to give away. (Romans 3:24-26; James 1:15)
Merry Christmas,
RTM
Stephen L. Thomas