I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. (Rom. 9:2)

During the first SEMESTER I taught at Indiana Wesleyan University, a student asked me, “When was the last time you cried for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior?”

I quickly replied, “I was a pastor for four years. Then I served as a missionary in southern Africa and Southeast Asia for another fourteen years—”

Before I could articulate a full answer, the student interrupted me and stated, “That is not what I asked you. My question was, ‘When was the last time you cried for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior?’”

Realizing I needed to be transparent, I replied, “In all honesty, it has been ages.”

This student’s question and my feeble response caused me to spend time reflecting upon my ministry. When I started out as a pastor, I had a deep concern for those who did not have a relationship with Christ. There were nights I could not sleep, thinking about them. However, I realized that, over time, ministry had become just a job for me. I was following the routine, “clocking in” and “clocking out” without much heart.

There have been times in my life that I have had to ask God to forgive me for my lack of concern for those needing Christ. Is your heart broken for those who are lost?

Ask God to break your heart for those who don’t know Him.

Jim “Umf” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books including Unholiness: Overcoming the Forces That Attack Your Soul (WPH).

 © 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.