Time Is Short Will You Make It Count?

2005 started out in a very somber way. The whole world was reeling and grieving over the December 2004 tsunami disaster. Locally, we had a tragic and fatal car accident, Then the local congregation had two deaths. All these caused people to do some thinking. Around the globe, many New Years' celebrations included times of silence and candle light remembrance ceremonies.

It also got a columnist thinking - he wrote an editorial for Foxnews.com that was very good. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find it again to quote it. His main idea was on how suddenly and unpredictably death can come. None of the people on the beaches that day thought about dying, but they did die that terrible morning. So, since death can come like this, we need to make the most of each moment. He related that to spending time with his family and friends, making sure they knew of his love.

His column was wonderful and it is important to take time for those hugs and kisses. Death can come suddenly and we never get to say those important words or do those acts of love. However, he stopped short. God needs to be included in this matter of living. Many people say they will get right with God at a later time. They give various reasons, but may not have that chance later on.

The most important decision we make is the one concerning God. And we either decide for him or against him! The consequences of that decision are incredible, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. . . . Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." {John 3:18, 36} Further we need to make this decision and live it out during this lifetime, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment," {Hebrews 9:27}

Each one of us must make our own decision about God. That decision will influence how we live each day and our eternal destiny. It is definitely something to take care of while there is still time! This decision is definitely something worth taking time for as Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." {John 3:16-17 NIV}

Some of the saddest times I had as a pastor were doing the funerals of people that I had no assurance they ever took care of this decision for God. They held out and ran out of time. I hope and pray that each one of us takes the time.

So, there are some things we need to take care of. Some of these things involve the people you love, some involve God. We need to look after both of these.

Take time to live with and love your family. Also make sure that you are right with God and living for him.

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker Januart 2005



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker