We don’t celebrate Halloween at our house but we love carving pumpkins. This past October as we were carving pumpkins I was concentrating on my artwork when I noticed my daughter wielding a large carving knife accidentally aimed at her brother’s back. She didn’t mean to let go of it. Thankfully the handle hit her brother and not the blade.

As I reflected on this moment of grace it occurred to me that when purpose is lacking, abuse is inevitable.

My daughter did not understand the knife’s purpose, and as a result began using it in a way it was not meant to be used.

I explained to her the purpose for which the knife was created. As she listened, her regret turned to wonder and amazement as I carved the pumpkin and showed her what the knife was created to do.

My daughter was simply ignorant of the knife’s true purpose, and her ignorance could have caused great harm. She needed to hear a message that could deliver her from her dangerous actions. She needed to hear the truth—truth that would preserve her life and the lives of others.

In like fashion, the good news of the gospel is a life preserver meant not for a select few, but for everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike. Isaiah 49:6 foretold that God would give light to the Gentiles as well.

Everyone needs redemption and restoration. The message of the gospel is too important to be given only to a select few. Without it, left to our own efforts, tragedy is inevitable. For all have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory—Jews and Gentiles. Isn’t it good to know there is light for you and me, the Gentiles, as well?

Byron Davis is director of Dream of Destiny at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, California.