What Does 9/11 Mean to You?

When we remember 9/11, one of the first memories that darts out at us, is the horrendous sight of the burning towers. Others remember the families of those who died. And yet, others remember the people responsible for this violent and hurtful act. I cannot say with certainty, however, how many people thought of the eternity of those who died that day. More importantly, I do not know how many people were honest about the eternity of all who died that day.

I was reading a story on September 11 News.com where there was a particular statement that left an impression on me. The statement was a reference to Scripture that President Bush made when referring to those who grieved for their losses. He said, "And I pray that they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are with me." This brought back the memory of how everyone during that time of great distress turned to God. I remember our churches were being filled, our nation was praying earnestly, and people were looking for hope. It was at that moment in time when Christians, pastors, and counselors should have presented people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but at the same time, also confronting people with their sin.

One of the sad things for me to accept was the fact that not everyone who died on 9/11 was saved. Yet, there were many preachers who had the audacity to say to their congregations that all those who died in the Twin Towers were in Heaven. This was an erroneous statement that many pastors made. The Bible clearly states that the only way to get to Heaven is ONLY and solely through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). I am pretty sure that not everyone in those two buildings were not saved. As unpopular as that statement may sound, I know that, unfortunately, it is the truth.

To relate this to counseling, one of the things that is difficult, not only for pastors and counselors, but for people in general, is to tell the truth. Counselors have to build up the courage to let people know where they stand in relation to God. In essence, they need to tell people the truth. They are either in a state of rebelliousness and hostility towards God, or they are in a state of hopelessness in which all they have left is to turn to God. It is teaching and guiding people in what they need to do to establish a new-found relationship with God so that they may acknowledge Him not only in their time of need, but more importantly, their need for Him.

In life, when everything is going well, we assume that we have no need for God. But then, disaster strikes, and all of a sudden we become all-out, committed Christians who then pray to God everyday. Let us always reminisce about the many times that God has been good to us. He is not pleased when we blame our troubles on Him, although He understands why we may feel to do so. Whether during good times, or during bad times, let us remember that we have a God who is going to look over us. Let us, then, turn from our evil ways, and turn back to Him (Ezekiel 33:11). So, to answer the question, "What does 9/11 mean to me?" It means that our country needs to turn from its wicked ways, and come back to the One our forefathers turned to and trusted in difficult times...God! September 11, 2001, reminds me exactly of what the picture above shows. During times of need, turn to the cross of Jesus Christ! And that's what 9/11 means to me!