Before anyone accuses me of promoting or encouraging the use of cigars or smoking in general, let me make it very clear, I am not. So, when I say I am not promoting or encouraging the use of cigars or smoking in general, I mean that I am not promoting or encouraging the use of cigars or smoking in general. Clear enough? 😊

To quote an old college basketball coach, “Some of ya’s” have never even heard the phrase, “Close but no cigar,” so let me briefly explain. In the 1920s, carnivals and fairgrounds were notorious for their challenging games, which were extremely difficult to win. It was also very common for the prize to be a cigar. So, for those who were oh so close to winning but still fell short, the response was, “Close, but no cigar!” Now you know.

There are definitely advantages to getting older, and if my memory were better, I could tell you what they are. (Again, my feeble attempt at humor.) However, one downside is that it becomes more difficult to connect with the younger generation because they don’t have the same experiences we do. They are not familiar with many of the old television shows or music artists, and they certainly can’t imagine a world without cell phones and the internet. Those were the “good ole’ days.” I recently walked by someone in their 50s wearing a t-shirt with the picture you see here and a phrase written below it that said, “You wouldn’t understand.” I couldn’t stop smiling because I knew all too well what it meant, and I also knew most youth wouldn’t have a clue.

So how do I tie this into a “Question of the Month?” Here’s how.

I was at the gym, and I saw someone I see regularly but don’t usually talk to much. We say “hi” and occasionally have a brief generic conversation. That day, I noticed the shirt he was wearing. It had a picture of a knight kneeling with a sword and a phrase that said something like, “He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.” I was surprised to see him wearing that, and it certainly made me curious. I walked over to him and said, “Love your shirt!” He smiled, and we got into a spiritual conversation.

He made a few general statements about God, and I agreed with what he shared. It made me wonder where he went to church, so I asked. He said he didn’t go to church because all they want is money, and they’re all about rules and regulations, and they are overly judgmental. As a possible surprise to him, I told him that I was completely on the same page regarding churches in general (i.e., a huge percentage of churches across the world). He also said that he doesn’t need to go to church; he has his own beliefs about God, tries to be a good person, and that’s what really matters. And this is where I would part ways with him, with his thinking, that is.

I then asked him how he knew “that’s really what counts.” He said he wasn’t sure, but that’s what he thinks. If you’ve been reading my previous Question of the Month articles or have listened to my podcasts, you probably know what’s coming next.

I asked him, “What makes more sense logically? That when you die and stand before God, He will judge you based on whatever standards you made up, or He would judge you based on His own standards?” He agreed that it makes more sense for God to use His own standards. Then I asked if he thought it would be important to find out what those standards are, to which he replied, “Yes.”

I then told him that I am not really a religious person. As I’ve mentioned many times in our resources, I believe religion is man’s idea of God. On the other hand, I believe the Bible is God’s idea of God. So, while I say I am not a religious person, I am a Christian, and I believe the Bible cover-to-cover. And the Bible claims to contain God’s standard for mankind, a claim that is backed up by mounds of evidence.

He told me he’s not much of a reader, so I am planning to encapsulate (in just one or two pages) what the Bible has to say about what is required to go to heaven when you die. I will keep it brief and probably not add any of my own commentary; I will just share the actual Word of God. I believe it will show him that the standard by which he is sincerely trying to live by is not at all what the Bible states is truly God’s standard. He will then have to make a decision. Does he continue, in his own well-meaning efforts, hoping that will somehow “cut it,” or does he submit to God’s Word and, in turn, be able to know for sure he’s going to heaven. It will be his choice. In a sense, he’s “close, but no cigar.” He has good intentions, as measured by mankind, but the Bible says very clearly:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12)

The world might tell him, “Good people go to heaven, so you should be fine,” but Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and 1 Corinthians 3:19 says, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.”

I’ve often said, I would many times rather share the Gospel message with an atheist than with a “religious” person. Atheists disagree with the message of Christ I share with them, but they are never “offended.” However, many “religious” people feel incredibly insulted to find out you are questioning their understanding of who God is and what He requires of us. How dare we question for one second that they are not “good enough.”

So, two important points in closing:1. Pray for opportunities to talk with people to ensure they don’t end up falling into the category of “Close, but no cigar.” 2. Do not go out and start smoking cigars because somehow you think I’m endorsing it! 🤣

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact us!