The Need and the Challenge

Today in my World Evangelism class  (basically a world religions class) we heard from a nun. She came to our class and told us about her life and her beliefs. I was so challenged by her. She was so incredibly dedicated, like the Muslim who prays five times a day. She did the same, she told us she was constantly studying the Scripture and spending time in prayer. I was embarrassed to be honest, even though she didn't know me, I was embarrassed because I felt like she was more to devoted to her religion than I can be at times. (Yes, I am calling Catholicism a different religion than Evangelical Christianity) I want my life to be completely sold out on God but how can I be if I only spend a limited amount of time praying and reading His Word? It really challenged me to realize how much time I waste. How instead of mindlessly searching the internet I could be searching His Word.
Not only did this sweet elderly nun challenge me she also got me stirred up about evangelism. For all her devotion and sincerity, she is not on the right path. She believes that her works are bringing her salvation. She does not believe that Jesus Christ paid it in full on the cross and with His resurrection. I left that room absolutely heart broken to tears because of her state. Every time I spend time with a Catholic I am reminded of how incredibly close it comes to true Christianity. Yet, it is a false religion. Like I said, it teaches that you receive heaven by your own works.
Yet the Bible contradicts that. It says in Ephesians 2:8,9-
⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.


Ultimately, it is not a question of the life we lived and what we did. It is a matter of Jesus' saving blood and salvation only comes through Christ alone. 
Jesus Christ is the only way to God and eternal life with Him in heaven. 
As Jesus Himself says in John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."


So today I was challenged very much. A lot of my relatives are "catholic" (mostly non-practicing). I was just insanely burdened for them and their spiritual state. I pray that God will use me to reach them in some way. I don't want to allow fear to overtake me so that I do not take advantage of the opportunities God gives me. Instead, I want to tell anyone and everyone God allows about Him and His salvation. I pray that for you as well, wherever you are.