As most Americans do, I made a trip to Wal-Mart for some items relating to the new church building along with some personal things. My family joined me there since we were both needing to go there and spend our money, we decided to meet at the Wal-Mart.
After wandering around aimlessly in the store, I decided to check out while Carrie waited at the Pharmacy. My partner in crime, Caleb, went with me as we checked out and made our way to the car. While we waited, we opened the trunk of my wife’s SUV and sat on the bumper. We watched the birds, trees, buggies, people spending hard earned cash, people spending credit, blah blah blah….then here he came.
“Excuse me sir,” he said as his eye beamed widely at me and my son, “Can I ask you a couple of questions?”
My response was the same to this young man as it is to many in his position, “Sure, but only if you agree that if I prove you wrong you change religions and if you prove me wrong I will change my religion.”
He response, “It is not about proving each other wrong.”
My response, “Fair enough. Prove me right.” (I could not resist, after all I am in the trunk of a car in Wal-Mart of all places.)
As we talked I asked him one simple question, “Sir, can I make it to heaven without the book of Mormon.” He never answered the question but changed subjects. I answered his question only to have him change to a different topic. After 20 minutes of discussion, he laughed as my question regarding the Lord’s Supper and I express my frustration at his laughter over a serious subject. Once again I asked, “Sir, can I make it to heaven without the book of Mormon?” Still no response but a changed subject.
As we talked another 20 minutes, I asked the same question and his eyes looked to the ground as laughter proceeded form his lips. At this point I had enough of the rambling changing of subjects and laughter among the serious subject of lost souls, so I told him his laughter showed a disrespect for the salvation of souls and became his mask as he avoided the questions of the seriousness of the Bible. His lack of respect was clearly seen as his eyes would not focus on mine. I asked again, “Sir, can I make it to heaven without the book of Mormon?”
His answer changed our discussion, his answer was, “You can make it to heaven without any book?”
WOW! I was not expecting that, but my response was the same, “If I can make it to heaven without any book, then why do I need the book of Mormon.” His laughter grew louder. He looked at me and laughed out loud and said, “You are soooo wrong.” I responded, “Prove me wrong.” He laughed all the more.
Friends, I was unclear one could make it to heaven without any books, even the Bible. This Mormon missionary has be steered wrong in many ways, but look how far he reached now — Without the teachings of the Bible, one can make it to heaven.
It is sad to see people telling the lost of salvation apart from Jesus, but it is just as troubling if we sit back and do nothing.
We must act and we must act now! We are at a place and time for a reason, use it to reach out to those around us before it is too late.
Remember, it is through the everlasting Word we read about our Savior Jesus!
Thanks for listening to my rambling again!