Crafting the perfect box to represent our lives was a challenge that I and my classmates had to do during our IPR last semester. Everyone was so busy and engrossed forming and designing the box, for after all, it would be a symbol of who we are. Few minutes later, we were in a circle and started out passing our boxes to the one beside us. We were merrily doing so through a random happy song which I could vaguely remember now, until the passing stopped as the song also ended. And so we got a box made by a different person whom we must be accountable to and accountable with.But I never really placed much thought on it since the box was from a person whom I’m not really well acquainted with.

It was only recently that I started relating to the person and felt that he is in some kind of a dilemma or something. Starting a conversation would normally be easy for me, but I thought it would be weird if I randomly ask or check up on him (hindi po kami ganun ka close). Then I remembered, theeeee boooooox, the aged, probably crumpled box. And so our conversation went something like this.

Me: Hey, so how are you now?

Him: Ha? Oh well, I think I'm "okay" Ate.

Me: Naaaa, I don’t take okay for an answer. Okay what? Elaborate please.

Him: *with a weird look on his faceeee* Why Ate, do I really have to? (probably on his mind, “what’s up with this girl?”)

Me: Do you remember theeee box?

Him: What box?

Me: The one we did during the IPR last semester.

Him: Aw yea, what about it?

Me: I actually got yours and remember how we were tasked to get to know the person and be accountable?

Him: Oh right, so why are you just approaching me now?

Me: I'd have to apologize for not caring enough. So, what now? Please explain the "okay"

Him: Can we not talk here? *we were inside the classroom and there were other students*

Me: Oh sure, let’s go outside ayyy.

Him: Actually te, there are a few things bothering me right now.

Me: And that, that doesn’t sound like an OKAY to me. Sige, let’s hear it.

Him: Matters of the heart and faith, Ate.

Him: I have a lot of questions about religion. Well, not really religion. Hmmm, faith perhaps. Is it really true that the only way to heaven is through faith? What about a person born in a really far place, the kindest one you would ever meet, but just did not have the opportunity to know Christ? Is it his fault then? I think not. I doubt if faith really is the only way. Because then it would be so unfair for those people.

Me: Oh well, it’s really sad to think about that. But the Bible said it so, that faith in Christ is the only way to salvation, not good works.

Our conversation went on and I can very well attest to the fact that these kind of people exist, those who haven’t heard the name of Jesus yet. I confidently say so because I myself met and talked with them during the mission trips I joined in Indonesia and Vietnam.

But sad as it may be for these people, FAITH IN CHRIST REALLY IS THE ONLY WAY! The Bible gives us this truth in Ephesians 2:8-9. Now what about those who don't have any opportunity to hear about Christ? Verse 20 of the first book of Romans mentioned about God's eternal power and divine nature that have been clearly seen since creation, so that men are without excuse. Indeed, our God is omnipresent. He can be seen, felt and even heard in multitude of ways so even those who are in far-flung places will recognize God and would not have excuse. And still, other people, though they have a knowledge or concept of a god, does not seek the One who brings salvation, but choose to worship other gods which can take many form. That is why Paul ended the book of Romans by challenging us Christians be co-workers in giving those people the chance to hear and know about Christ.

Realizing the situation pointed out by my classmate made me recognize the two reactions that people have or think. One is to question the validity of what was written in Ephesians 2:8-9. The other would be to recognize and feel the need to be lifetime laborers and GC (Great Commission) workers. May we be able to lead also those who seek or question the truth to The Truth Himself, Jesus Christ.

Friends, all around us are people with a lot of questions in mind, waiting to hear the truth themselves. Let us not hesitate to ask even simple questions or check out how they are doing. They may find it weird at first, but eventually, if they see that you sincerely care, they will let their defenses down and start to open up. You will notice that they have confusions and questions they only keep to themselves and it would only take you to care a little bit more than usual to be able to unbox them. You don't have to be afraid to ask for fear that you might not know the answer. Just learn the art of asking guide and probing questions and you will eventually lead them to finding or realizing the answer themselves. So go ahead, think of that one friend and ask away!