First Baptist Church of Herndon

Enter to Win!

Linda Soller | Aug 03, 2015

At least three times a week it is right there in my mail, an envelope with big letters saying, “Enter to Win!” They’re three simple words offering such wonderful possibilities. Up for grabs are vacations, televisions, houses, or millions of dollars. All I have to do is fill out a form, add a stamp, and maybe buy a magazine for good measure. I just need to enter to win.  But alas, I seldom do it. Even though it’s so easy and they say no purchase is necessary. Why don’t I enter? What makes me hesitate? I hesitate because I’ve decided I know I won’t win. I don’t like the odds, even though I understand someone will win the prizes. I have convinced myself entering is futile, a waste of my valuable time.

What if you drove by a church and saw a big banner calling you to “Enter to Win!” Would you be tempted? Would you go inside and check it out?  The striking difference between the contests and the church is the odds. In the contests thousands, I dare say hundreds of thousands may enter, but there are only a few winners. In the church you face much better odds. It’s possible, even likely, each person who enters will win. Faith offers a wealth of prizes including, but certainly not limited to, comfort, joy, support, and strength. The number of prizes you can win will likely increase the more you enter.  True the other contests may say you can enter more than once, but the number of winners won’t increase if you do. Church is different in that God continues to bless those who enter the doors of faithful congregations.

Have you convinced yourself church is not for you? Have you decided you can’t be saved?  Do you doubt there are truly prizes waiting for you? I think you are mistaken. In fact, I know you’re mistaken. You just need to Enter to Win!

Have a great week! :o)  Linda