In Matt. 12:30 Jesus said, "He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth." You’re either with God or against Him. There is no middle ground in the matter. Those who are with God are called Christians (Acts 11:26) and a member of the Lord’s church (Romans 16:16). Those who are against God are considered members of the church of Satan (Rev. 2:9). You must choose one side or the other. Whose side are you on?

In many grocery stores across the country when people go to the checkout registers, they will find additional merchandise to purchase. Things from candy, soda or magazines even flashlights or a package of tissues. These items are called Impulse Merchandise because it is usually bought at the last minute, either to pacify the children or satisfy a chocolate craving. Rarely does a person enter a grocery store just to shop the registers.

Many people treat salvation the same way. They call upon god whey they are in a bind or show up at church when it’s convenient for them. One year ago our country was gripped in fear as evil men lashed out against the United States by destroying the towers of the World Trade Centers killing hundreds of people. In our darkest hour people asked questions like: How can God let this happen? Is this the trigger of the Second Coming? Are more attacks to follow? They flocked to their local churches for the answers. Baptism and prayer were on the rise.

Months later though these same converts backslid into their old lives. Why? Nothing changed. The Second Coming wasn’t imminent nor were there any other attacks on the country. They now felt that salvation was an inconvenience and not currently necessary. We find a similar story in the Bible. In Acts 24, the apostle Paul was brought before the Roman governor Felix. In verse 25 we find Felix procrastinating against what Paul has told him, "And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me."

Another example is found in Exodus chapter 8, which features the second of the Ten Plagues: Frogs. Frogs were found everywhere (v.3) Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron to have God take away the frogs. Here’s that conversation (vs.8-10): "Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat Jehovah, that he take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice unto Jehovah. 9. And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Have thou this glory over me: against what time shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, that the frogs be destroyed from thee and thy houses, and remain in the river only? 10. And he said, Against tomorrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word; that thou mayest know that there is none like unto Jehovah our God." Tomorrow! Can you believe it? He wanted to wait an entire day!

Those who do become converts use their prayers to God when they deem it necessary: Loss of job, illness, short on funds, etc. They don’t come to God unless it’s a real emergency. 1 Thess. 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing". That means praying several times a day every day. Not just for help but to thank God for blessings, praise God for the work He has done, ask for forgiveness and pray for guidance.

Salvation is not to be taken lightly. We crucify our old man (our former ways) and walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:6,4). In Galatians 3:27 Paul writes, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ." We put on Christ but not as a suit, which goes on for church and comes off after service. It’s something we wear all the time!

As Jesus said in Luke 9:62, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." If you return to your former ways then you will not make it to heaven. God is not a 911 operator to call in an emergency. He’s there for us for everything necessary to our lives.