I’ve done a little reading over the past couple of weeks regarding the Paris Hilton drama. One thing I’ve noticed is that she has been to church and that she is apparently reading the Bible while in prison.

I’m sure when most people read those stories they had a cynical reaction. It would seem more plausible to believe that it is all for the publicity than it is for serious spiritual seeking. But I would say that as Christians it really doesn’t matter whether we think it is publicity or sincere.

The fact of the matter is that she darkened the door of a church and apparently is picking up a Bible and reading it. Has she ever read it before in her life? I have no idea. But as Christians we believe these things to be true:

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

and

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)

I can’t possibly know Paris Hilton’s heart and motives. But I do know that some of the most unlikely people have been drawn to God – think Saul/Paul. No one would have expected him to become a champion for the cause of Christ, and yet look at what God did in his life.

Some will say, “Sallie, you can’t possibly think that Paris Hilton could be saved and really live a sanctified, Christ-honoring life!” Yes, I can. Would she face unique obstacles? Absolutely. Would it be hard at times? No doubt about it. But impossible? “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 ESV)

If we believe it is (almost) impossible for Paris Hilton to be saved and we dismiss this idea quickly, what does it say about our beliefs about the Holy Spirit? The Word of God? The sinfulness and lostness of ALL people apart from Christ? Being dead in our trespasses and sins? Why is it possible that God would save us, dead in our sins, and not Paris Hilton?

So, have you prayed that God would open her eyes? That she would pick up the Bible many times while in prison? That the Holy Spirit would guide her eyes to the passages she needs to read when she picks up that Bible? That the Holy Spirit would quicken her spirit and call her to true, biblical repentance? Without Christ, she is lost. Just as lost as your friend or next-door neighbor that you pray for.

Would you pray for her?