Mike Wittmer writes this brief but powerful devotional:
Friends of mine are acquainted with a media leader. He invited them to appear on his television show to talk about a family tragedy, and he was so impressed by their faith in Christ that he invited them back. When I asked my friends about their experience, they said that the news anchor seemed to be in awe of their faith. He didn’t think he could ever have such faith himself, and he marveled at how they had survived—and even thrived—through an ordeal that would have ruined many families. But when they suggested that he could enjoy a similar,
sustaining relationship with Jesus, he replied that such faith was not for him, because he was “spiritual but not religious.”
Or maybe he just has too much to lose. It’s difficult to give your life to Christ if it means putting a lucrative career in jeopardy. The man knows that his conversion would make news, and may well cost him tens of millions of dollars in annual income and the fame and influence he has worked his entire life to achieve.
This cultural leader seems like King Agrippa . . .
Here to read the rest.
So, what would it profit a man if he gained the whole world and lost his soul, anyway?
In his terrific post, Mike Wittmer suggests that Agrippa and the news anchor both believed the Gospel was true, but would not submit to being associated with Christ Jesus, much less becoming subjects of His Kingdom. They feared the social stigma and the loss of power.
So there was no saving faith in either case, despite acknowledgement of the truth (Agrippa) and a powerful emotional response to the life of faith (anchorman). Very common, and very sad.