Neither your cousin nor I can “talk you into” giving your life to Jesus—but God can, and I pray you won’t shut your heart and mind to the voice of His Spirit. If you do, it will be the most serious mistake you will ever make.

Why do I say this? First, because some day you will die and enter the presence of God—and right now you are unprepared for that solemn event. Perhaps you have convinced yourself that death is the end and you’ll never have to stand before God … or perhaps you simply have shoved such thoughts out of your mind. But death is real, and so is God’s judgment—but so too is God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40).

I also urge you not to turn your back on Christ for another reason: Life’s greatest joy comes from knowing Christ and following Him. Listen: Jesus didn’t come to make us miserable and squeeze all the joy out of life. Jesus came instead to fulfill our lives and make us into the joyous people God wants us to be.

Be grateful for your cousin’s concern. But most of all, respond to God’s call by giving your life to Jesus Christ. You’ll never regret it—and it’s the most important decision you will ever make.