Barbra Gentry-Pugh

The Fragility of Life

November 18, 2025

“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog; it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. James 4:14 (NLT)

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Mark 8:36 (NLT)

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)

After visiting my brother in the hospital in Texas this past weekend, I was reminded once again how fragile life truly is. One moment, everything is steady, familiar, and predictable, until suddenly it isn’t. After working in the critical care unit for many years, hospitals have a way of reminding us that life can change without notice, and how easily we take for granted that things will always be the same.

Every year, we see people rescued from danger, whether it’s someone saved from a river, a burning building, or an assailant. These circumstances illustrate the principle of salvation: impending danger, rescuer’s intervention, and a renewed chance at life. According to the Word of God, sin puts us at risk of broken relationships, spiritual death, and judgment. It is through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection that God offers salvation: a fresh start, spiritual renewal, and the promise of eternal life.

Yes, life is fragile, but salvation is secure. Life is uncertain, but Christ is our certainty. And because life is so unpredictable, God made salvation simple, accessible, and available today.”

This is why Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 matter so much. He sends us to share the gospel not out of fear, but out of love. Because people matter. Souls matter. Eternity matters.”

But it also reminds us of this truth: this is why salvation matters. This is why Jesus came. This is why the message of hope cannot wait. Salvation is God’s invitation to eternal life, to a peace that illness cannot steal, to a hope that suffering cannot silence, and to a future that death cannot cancel.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” I would like for it to be approach in a different manner. I think I would start with something like – this year is quickly coming to an end, and every year most people do an assessment of their accomplishments, goals, finances even if the were walking in their God given purpose – I want it light – direct yet compassionate. Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

Although we must share Christ with everyone who does not know Him as Savior and Lord, there is a unique and indescribable joy that comes when you share Christ with someone you love. It isn’t just the joy of a conversation; it’s the joy of witnessing God touch the heart of a dear friend! There is no greater gift, and no greater joy than knowing they have received HIM!. Our friendship of over 40 years is no longer just built on shared memories, laughter, and life experiences; it’s now anchored in eternal hope. The bond becomes deeper, stronger, and spiritually rich because you now share not only life on this side of heaven but life forever in Christ. It feels like heaven touches earth in that moment, the moment your loved ones, your children, have received the gift of salvation!

Another friend, Karen, often says, “I would not wish hell on my worst enemy!” Hell is eternal separation from God; eternal death is the final judgment for those without Christ, but Jesus came so that no one would have to experience either.

Those who belong to Christ will experience eternal life, joy, and fellowship with God. John 5:24 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-26, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

Jesus came to earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, how smart we think we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn’t come to help people save themselves; He came to be our Savior from the power and penalty of sin. Thank Christ Jesus for His death on the cross for your sin, and then ask him to take control of your life. Your new life begins at that moment.

The Fragility of Life reminds us why the Great Commission matters. When life is fragile, sharing Christ becomes not optional, but essential.

The Fragility of Life reminds us that Salvation brings hope beyond earth when this life changes unexpectedly!

The Fragility of Life reminds us why salvation is urgent. It strips away what doesn’t matter. It reminds us that life is a vapor in James 4:14. Because life is fragile, God made salvation simple, accessible, and immediate. It’s not something to figure out “later.”
God made it available “now!”

YOUR HEART CHECK: When asked which commandment was the greatest, Jesus answered: The Great Commandment is to Love God and Love People! Matthew 22:36-40: a. Love God! “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” b. Love Your Neighbor! “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two. This is the foundation of the Christian life, relationship with God, and relationship with others. The Great Commission is to go and Make Disciples:

YOUR HEART CHALLENGE: Matthew 28:19-20. Before returning to heaven, Jesus commanded His followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” This includes – Going – living missionally

Sharing the gospel
Baptizing new believers
Teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands

This was not optional. It was Jesus’ final instruction and the assignment for every Believer in Christ!

AN OBEDIENT HEART: A Heart that understands God’s commandments: to wholeheartedly love others faithfully, make disciples, help others know Him, follow Him, and grow in Him.

PRAYER:    Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that gives us clear instructions on how to love and share the gospel of Jesus Christ! Thank You, Father, for Your great sacrifice on the cross, securing our free gift of salvation. Father, help us to be obedient and share the gospel not out of fear, but out of love, never forgetting that people matter, souls matter, and eternity truly matters.” Help us always to remember that salvation gives us an anchor that sickness cannot shake, a hope that pain cannot steal, a future that death cannot destroy, in the precious, powerful, and preeminent name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.