2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
If you have ever watched a parade, like the Macy's Day Parade on Thanksgiving Day, you should notice two distinct things taking place. Along the street side is a large group of people, and in the street is another large group of people. Probably better identified as spectators and participants. Though they are all part of the parade, they are fundamentally and diametrically different, whereas one group watches from the sidelines, while the parade participants march by.
As we go through life's journey, each one of us have a free-will choice to be either spectators or participants in the Kingdom of God. Some choose early, and some choose later. Regardless, a choice is made, even if you don't choose. You simply choose not to choose.
The spectator is one who sits and listens, perhaps goes to church regularly, usually sitting in the back row watching from a distance and close to the exit. They do not engage much. In short they are just checking the box.
The participant however, is one who engages with the congregation and is ready to serve the body of Christ, without fanfare or self-glory.
The spectator is hearing the word of God, but it goes in one ear and out the other. They come in all saintly on Sunday, but rush back into the world for the next 6 days.
The participant is not only hearing the word of God, but living out the word of God, by faith, the best they can. It may never be perfect here, but there is a strong will and desire to live as if they are.
God wants us all to be participants and not just sideline spectators. There is a heavy price to pay for being uncommitted and unrepentant. God doesn't want anyone to perish in eternal hell and damnation, but He does want everyone to repent and come to faith in Christ, who gave His life on a cross, and died for the forgiveness of your sins. He rose from the dead to give you hope of the promise of everlasting life with Him.
So, are you a mere spectator or participant? Only you can answer that question. I pray you answer today and choose to be a participant in Christ, rather than wait until it's too late when you stand before the Lord and have to give your answer then.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’"
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