Brandon was the all-American kid. He was incredibly athletic, intelligent, and good-looking. He was, without question, the most popular kid in our high school. He was one grade behind me, and a teammate on my soccer team. This particular season, we played a tournament against several other high schools in the Denver area. We had some time between two games and Brandon and I were hungry. Since no one else wanted to come, Brandon and I went together to get a sub and enjoy the great weather. As we sat eating at an outside table, we began to talk and get to know one another better. Immediately, the Holy Spirit began to press on my heart that this was my opportunity to share the gospel with Brandon. Soon an opening in the conversation gave the opportunity to present the gospel. He listened with attention and asked insightful questions. As the conversation progressed, I finally asked what he thought of all I had said. My heart dropped at his question. He asked, “Isn’t Jimmy[1] a Christian too?”

 

Jimmy’s dad pastored one of the local churches, and Jimmy regularly spoke of being a Christian. However, Jimmy was also one of the biggest reprobates on the team. He spoke of his sexual and alcoholic escapades as much as he spoke of being a Christian. From all outward appearances, Jimmy had fallen in love with the world and its desires of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16). If you did not know his dad or hear Jimmy speak of youth group, you would never imagine that he claimed to be a Christian.

 

I pondered how to answer Brandon’s question. Jimmy indeed claimed to be a Christian, but he did not live like one. Finally, I replied, “Well, Jimmy says he is a Christian. I am not sure he is by the way he acts.” After thinking for a minute, Brandon asked, “If he’s a Christian, why would I want that?” With that final statement, he got up, we disposed of our trash and headed back to the soccer fields. I will never forget my heartbreak and frustration in that moment. Brandon appeared to be so close to the Gospel. And yet, a Christian who made decisions without the Gospel in mind had pushed him away.

 

Brandon was not only an outstanding soccer player, he was also an elite wrestler. Just a few months after our conversation, Brandon made the state tournament in wrestling. That season, as a sophomore, he placed third in the state. The morning after the wrestling tournament, as I came down to the breakfast table, my dad handed me that morning’s copy of the Rocky Mountain News. Brandon’s face was on the cover. I assumed that it was because of his accomplishments. However, to my horror, I discovered it was for another reason altogether.

 

The previous night, he and a couple of classmates went out to celebrate his win. In youthful foolishness, Brandon began to street race against one of them. In the process he lost control of his car, hit the supports of the interstate overpass, and was killed instantly. As I sat at the table, considering that my friend was now in eternity, I could not help but reflect on my conversation with him a few months prior. I don’t know if he ever accepted Christ. I do know that blame lies at Jimmy’s feet.

 

All too often, Christians give little consideration to how their decisions impact gospel advancement in the world. Christ called us to be a light to the world. Yet, we become focused on our lives and the things of this world. So, we fail to consider the way our actions impact the Gospel’s reputation. As we enter this final principle of decision-making, we will look at several texts of Scripture which point to our responsibility to live with the Gospel in mind. As you consider your life, can you share the Gospel effectively with the decisions you make and the character you show?

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