Several years ago as a youth pastor, I was working with a group of middle school boys. During our lesson one Sunday, I asked them, “Other than not having to go to hell when you die, what are some reasons why you believe it's a good thing to follow Jesus and be a Christian?”

This was a group of boys who had grown up in the church. Most of their parents were very involved in the church, and had worked hard to bring these children up in Christian homes. To me, the boys’ answer to my question was very informative about what many of us in the church today have come to believe about the life to which Jesus invites us. What was their answer?

They didn’t have one!

This group of boys couldn't state one reason to follow Jesus, other than that they would get to go to heaven rather than going to hell when they die.

How do you and I answer that question? Is "getting in to heaven" really all that matters?

Are we really to believe that the life, message, and mission of Jesus Christ on earth is reduced to that?