The Gospel Changes Lives

     When you walk through the wooden gates of the maximum-security prison and they turn the key to lock you in, you suddenly recognize life is precious. Everyday is a beautiful gift from God. If you are alive today, it is because God has something for you to do, and you have the freedom to do it. Our lives are more comfortable than the men serving life sentences in the prison. 
     This morning, we traveled to the maximum-security prison. Designed to contain 1,400 men, it now houses over 3,000. Here are three things I learned from my visit to the prison.
     1. The Gospel Changes Lives. We spoke with the most senior Prison Administrator available before mixing it up with the general prison population. While in our meeting, he shared some of his philosophy of prison rehabilitation. “I am convinced that change–real change—must happen from the inside out of a man,” he continued, “and the change we have seen with this particular program has captured my attention.”
     He is right. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes people hearts. It begins by regenerating the heart and from there, it changes everything. The gospel is the single most powerful force to penetrate deep into men’s hearts. When these men have a real encounter with the Word, they are never the same. Their lives take a U-turn and they begin to believe, think and act differently. As far as we are concerned, the leading edge of prison reformation begins with the gospel of Jesus.
     2. Discipleship is Important. Discipleship that comes from a long-term, relational commitment is essential. The men behind the prison walls need regular, personal interaction with mature followers of Jesus Christ. They need role models and motivators who can walk with them on a week-in, week-out basis. They need someone who is willing to involve themselves in their lives.
     3. Prisoners Value Volunteers. Every time I have been in the prison, I have been shown immense gratitude and respect. Prisoners will stop whatever they are doing, work or study, and come over to greet me.  A volunteer is their only contact with a regular person. Because most prisoners experience neglect from family and friends, they are glad to see you.
     Sometimes, prisoners have committed horrific crimes. Some prisoners only crime was being at the wrong spot at the wrong time. Others have been set up and their claim of innocence is, in fact, true. If you want to have an impact on someone’s life, you should visit a prison. It doesn’t matter if you don’t think of yourself as someone with street smarts. It doesn’t matter if you are scared out of your mind.
     What does matter is that you have a caring, compassion heart that is willing to show the grace and love of Jesus Christ. We must remember and be motivated by the truth, the gospel changes lives. That is why we are here, that is why we live each day, so that through God’s work in us, the gospel might change lives.