Not Good Enough

 "Get up, go downstairs and go with them without hesitating or doubting, for I have sent them Myself." (Acts 10:20 AMP)

You may know people like this: devout; love God; pray; well-spoken of; generous. Such a man was Cornelius. In a vision, an angel of God told him his prayers and good deeds had reached the very presence of God (v. 3–4), and he told Cornelius to send messengers for Peter. So, he did.

Peter was a devout disciple of Jesus who loved God, was well-spoken, and believed in the power of prayer. God also spoke to him through a vision telling him that Gentiles were not unclean or unholy and to go with the messengers arriving shortly—without hesitation or doubt. He obeyed without questioning God’s instructions.

Cornelius had a heart for God and all people. Although a good, godly man, he needed God’s saving grace through Jesus. Peter had a heart for God and all Jews, but not Gentiles; he needed a heart adjustment. As God intervened in both men's lives, Peter accepted all people and shared the Good News of Christ with Cornelius, his family, and friends.

Devout and good-hearted Cornelius didn’t realize his life-path led to hell; so is anyone without Jesus. Cornelius and the others in his house that day heard and received the Gospel message and were added to God's kingdom. Like Peter, who judged others, some people need a heart adjustment. And like Cornelius, God wants salvation for all people (John 3:3).

Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one can go to the Father except through Him (John 14:8). There is no one "good enough" to enter heaven—God's way through His Son Jesus is the only way. Are you a member of God’s family? If you are and He says, "Go and tell others about Me," do you go without hesitation and doubting?