Save the Bunnies

You'd think we lived in a barn considering our animal history. We've always had a dog, and one time we had a cat, Elvis. Unfortunately, he had a pee problem. When we accepted the truth that either the leather sofa or the cat had to go, let's just say poor Elvis found himself lonesome that night in the local animal shelter. There's also been rats, fish, turtles, hamsters, and rabbits that have found a place in our lives.

Once upon a time I had two cute little grey bunnies. I wish I could remember their names, but I can't. Must be because I re-named them maybe a gazillion times.

I was gone at school one day when the painters came to spray the walls in our family room. The bunnies were living inside at the time. My mom (in her good, honest intentions) decided it would be best to set the cage outside on the front porch so the bunnies wouldn't become intoxicated from the paint fumes. I guess she didn't consider the fact that it was one of the hottest days of the year.

I would imagine I had a fun day at school and got off the bus in great spirits. But that all quickly changed when I took one look inside the cage and saw two, lifeless grey fur-balls. My bunnies were dead. I screamed and fought back the tears burning behind my eyes.

"MOMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

She, too, was shocked. She tried to explain, but it didn't matter. The only thought my distraught mind could process was that she killed them. Accident or not, they bit the dust and weren't coming back.

We buried them underneath the apple tree, where our other lost animal friends now rest in peace. I never forgot about my bunnies or their unfortunate end, but in time I was able to forgive my mom.

Now I'm older and laugh about the irony of her killing my bunnies as a result of trying to save them.

In sort of the same way, it breaks my heart to think about how many people unintentionally miss out on Heaven as a result of trying to live a good life and be saved from Hell.

Hell is real, my friend. It is where we all are headed and where we deserve to be because of our sinful nature. I honestly think that no one would genuinely want to go to Hell, but I do think that too many of us believe we can escape Satan's eternal company by doing things we should do and avoiding things we shouldn't do.

That's just not how it works. Being a good person or having good intentions doesn't get us a "get out of Hell free-card." The only way to really be saved is by God's salvation. We can't save ourselves, God knows that. So He gave us a Savior.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says it best: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

There's nothing wrong with being a good person, but are you living for the dot or for the line? The dot being our temporal time on Earth, the line being life everlasting with Jesus in Heaven. What have you got to lose? Without Christ, it's everything. With Christ, it's nothing. What have you got to gain? Without Christ, it's nothing. With Christ, it's everything.


Maybe you grew up in church or maybe you just show up for Easter and Christmas. Maybe you were baptized as a child or had your first communion. Maybe you wear a cross necklace or a WWJD bracelet. Those are fine, but going to church, doing church things, or wearing Jesus stuff has no meaning at all if you haven't prayed the prayer inviting Jesus into your heart. And yes, I mean an actual prayer that you say out-loud with your eyes closed. You can't just "naturally" become a Christian. Sorry if I'm bursting your bubble, but you just can't.

Don't put yourself on the porch thinking you'll save yourself because you are avoiding toxic fumes. You'll end up a dead bunny. There's only one hope for the future and only one path to safety... that is through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Think about it for a moment and search your heart. Have you given Jesus the invitation to save your soul? Are you really a Christian?

If not, consider joining the family. I promise it will change your life forever. If you'd like or feel led to do so, you can pray the sinner's prayer to receive God's free gift of salvation:

Dear Lord, I know that I'm a sinner in need a Savior. I believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for me and my sins on the cross. It is because of that sacrifice that I have hope. I desire to live a good life because of the eternal reward You have for me in Heaven. Please come into my heart. Thank you for the gift of your salvation. Amen.

If you have already prayed that prayer some time ago, I look forward to celebrating with you in Heaven. If you just prayed those words, get ready for the most amazing ride. If you feel that for whatever reason you can't right now accept God's gift, I will be praying for you. I hope you will. Like I said, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

That is a pretty sweet deal.

-Rachel