There are people who refuse to follow God’s word. They do not listen to the directions given by God for a good life and a home in heaven.

Some do not believe in God. They believe that when this life is over, that is it. Sadly, there are many good people who hold these beliefs, and because of that will be lost eternally.

All people one day will give an accounting for how they lived their lives (2 Corinthians 5:10). Generations have been taught there is no God, which makes it difficult to persuade them to listen to God’s word. However, those who believe in God know they must try to reach those who do not believe. Paul wrote, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; ...” (2 Corinthians 5:11). David wrote, “The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). They reject the evidence they see each day and choose to believe a theory of how man evolved from an ape. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). God has given ample proof of his creative power.

God’s word has been given to man so that he could come to understand God’s love and terms for forgiveness. James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).

Those who refuse to listen and obey God now will find one day that God will not listen to them. “Therefore, it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 7:13). Luke tells of one who ignored God during his lifetime and realized too late what he had done. “And in hell, he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things and, likewise, Lazarus evil things. But now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence’” (Luke 16:23-26). This man wanted to help those who were left behind, but this could not even be done. They have to listen to God’s spokesmen here and now (Luke 16:27-31).

God loves everyone and wants all to be saved, but he created man to have his own will. If a person looks into what it takes to obey God, it readily is seen that obedience is a must, and it is not too much to be asked by God to obey him. It will lead to a great life and the promise of eternity in heaven.