When our Gospel Blog editor asked us to write about who we would have dinner with, I thought I would cheat and have dinner with two people. I choose (1) a former Hollywood celebrity currently in prison and (2) Abinadi. We would have some steaks, and I would take a selfie. I would later print the photo, frame it, and then add a scripture: “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The former celebrity I’m thinking of was once one of the most famous people of his time — and also probably one of the greatest comedians of all time — he is now in a maximum-security prison. More importantly, he will one day stand before the judgment bar of God and give an account for his deeds on this earth.

During his lifetime, Abinadi was never known throughout the world, but he was the man who said, “The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just” (Mosiah 16:1). When he was given the opportunity to recant his testimony, he decided that he would rather suffer death than lie to God.

I would stick the selfie on the fridge to help me remember the long-term consequences of my actions.

(P.S. I don’t pretend to know where this former celebrity is going after this life because he still has time to repent if he has not already done so.)

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.