the bottomline

You Could Cut It With a Knife
Monday, January 1, 2018 by Dan Allen

Before leaving the US I noticed the weather forecast for New Delhi was—foggy. This can be a problem for flights coming into or exiting the city. In fact, two years ago my flight from Vijayawada to Hyderabad was canceled because the originating flight in Delhi (to-Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Hyderabad-Delhi) never get off the ground. I ended up flying in a puddle-jumper next to an Indian talking to me about diets. It was more than a hint!

This time there apparently was no problem getting into Delhi, but one look out of hotel windows and the fog is thick. Visibility is next to nothing. It’s bad—really bad. But it’s not just because of a weather system called “Western Disturbance” where during December and January (their winter months) the winds reverse from the normal dry and cool northwesterly to humid east to southeast . . . but also add to this smog from air pollution. 

People wearing masks, warnings in newspapers of unhealthy air (in fact the New Delhi US Embassy lists it “Hazardous” for today—Saturday), and a lot of coughing as people try to deal with what is their normal for this time of year. I read an article in the local rag about coal-fire plants being asked (maybe ordered) to shut down and commuters being encouraged to consider mass transit for the next week before the commencement of an international conference. I’m sure they want to put their best foot forward and that would include clearing the sky so people can actually see their foot! Perhaps then, if I’m still in Delhi, I’ll see the sky and sun—both of which have been shrouded the past three days.

My project when I return to Delhi later this month and before heading home, is to address the fog in which some folks live concerning their salvation. No, I’m not speaking about those who struggle with doubts. Perhaps the conclusions in my book will address this. My concern is with those who say they are Christians, do Christian things like going to church, do good deeds, are involved, etc., but tragically fit in the Matthew 7:21–23 category. My hope is as they do 2 Corinthians 13:5 the fog will clear and they will see if indeed they are in the faith. 

It will be a daunting challenge for sure. Pray that God will direct my thoughts and words so that I can make this crystal clear. I’ve got friends and relatives that just might be in this fog—and I so desire to help them see clearly so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3).


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