By Tamryn Klintworth

“I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise” – Romans 1 v 14

Paul was speaking here about an obligation he had to the unsaved, to those still dying in their sins. He did not preach out of pity. He was not doing them a service or a favour. He was bound to preach the message of salvation to them. He considered himself the debtor and them the creditor. Indeed, this is the case for all believers. The gift of salvation comes with a debt that needs to be settled. Not of course, towards God. Jesus gives the gift of everlasting life freely to all who ask with sincere belief in His redeeming sacrifice. But, God does insist that we share the Good News with others. The believer is the debtor of the unbeliever. The Christian owes the lost the Gospel message.

If a boy drowned in a pool while a perfectly able-bodied man looked on, such being entirely aware of what was happening, the law would convict that man of murder. Yes, the man did not positively commit any act of wrongdoing. However, it was his OMISSION – his lack of acting – that caused the death of the boy. Yes, the man was perhaps not a lifeguard on duty at the poolside. However, regardless of this, as a person capable of pulling the boy from a watery grave, the law places an unasked-for OBLIGATION upon that man to do his utmost to prevent such a tragic death. The man became the boy’s debtor – just by being at the poolside.

Likewise, by living life alongside unbelievers, the believer becomes their debtor, obligated to share the Good News with them. Our omitting to do so will result in their eternal damnation. Will God judge us for our neglect? Such is a sobering thought.