Almost. Such a simple word that we use all the time in daily conversation. Often, the word carries little importance in what it means in a situation. If I am almost ready to leave for an appointment or I almost have a task done, I’m pretty well pleased to be so close to the goal. On other occasions however, the application of the word “almost” can be absolutely devastating. Such is the case in Acts 26:28.
Any Christian and student of the word of God who has come to terms with the sheer importance and urgency of obeying the gospel, is well acquainted with the tragic words of King Agrippa in Acts 26:28. In this passage Paul was on trial for his earthly life, but the greater trial was the one Agrippa was on for his soul. Agrippa responds to the apostle Paul’s words of the gospel by telling him that he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. Although Agrippa’s near conversion indicates a greater interest on his part than one who did not consider the gospel at all, the end result was the same as long as he continued down the pathway of “almost.”
Almost is not enough. Almost for Agrippa meant that he would be lost. Almost for Agrippa meant that he continued to live outside the fellowship of God. Almost for Agrippa was a death sentence.
There are obvious points here of important application for one who is not a Christian to consider, as well as to those who strive to teach the lost. However, there are also important points for Christians to consider in all realms of their lives.
What if we almost apply the authority of the word of God to our worship and lives? Is “almost” sufficient when it comes to authority? What if we almost live properly before God? Will God be pleased with us if we almost make the effort to do his will, in any realm? If sin is persisting in our lives, will almost repenting of that sin be sufficient?
The five foolish virgins in Matthew 25 still had oil when the groom arrived, but not enough, they were running out. They were almost ready but they were shut out from the wedding feast. The shepherd in Luke 15 who had lost 1 of his 100 sheep was not happy with having almost all of his sheep. Almost means someone is lost.
Let us never take satisfaction and contentment in “almost’ in our Christian walk. Surely the temptation presents to do so itself when we look at the ways of the world and see ourselves almost avoiding most sins. This is not enough. Almost is never enough. Almost is incomplete. Almost not sinning, is to be sinning, and is to be lost. This is in no way to ignore the possibility of forgiveness. God will forgive, but there must be repentance and the cessation of sin but almost repenting, and almost stopping, is not enough either.
Are you ready to meet the Lord in judgment? Or are you almost ready? Don’t be content with almost. Progress in one’s spiritual life is always to be commended, but to only be almost ready is to not be ready. To be almost saved on that final day will simply mean that one is lost.
Luke 12:40 "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."
-Derek Chambers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
