Time Is Swift   
 

by Tom Edwards

 

Can you remember wondering many years ago what the year 2000 would be like and hoping you would live to see it? It's hard to believe that I had thoughts of that nature decades ago, but now--already--the new century has come! This certainly illustrates the fleeting years of our lives. As James depicts, we are but ``a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away....'' (James 4:14). In view of this, we need to be sure we are using our time wisely.  As Paul writes, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15,16). And just how are we to be this way? As Paul goes on to say, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (v. 17). Peter emphasizes a similar thing in which he cites Christ for our example and a life that is lived in accordance with God's will as our responsibility (1 Pet. 4:1-6). So it is not enough to merely know the will of the Lord--we must also be making it a part of our lives by doing it. For to do so is wise; but to not, is most foolish. Fearing God and keeping His commandments sums up the supreme duty of mankind (Eccl. 12:13; cf. 1 Pet. 1:17). No matter what our occupation or avocation, reverencing the Lord and living according to His word is to be the basis for all our activities (cf. Col. 3:17). It is so sad (and ironic) when people, who live each day because the Lord has made it possible for them to have a new day, will turn around and say that they ``don't have time for God''--as Felix had implied to Paul (Acts 24:25). And to compound this by realizing that some of the activities that take up people's time can be defined with one word--sin--makes it even more outrageous. Yet, we read in Romans 5:6 that ''...at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.'' What a contrast!: People not having time for God--or a ``convenient season''--while, on the other hand, God going extremely ``out of His way'' for them (see Phil. 2:5-8). And let us not forget that one of the reasons why Christ died at the ``right time'' is so that we might use “time right” in living a new life unto Him (cf. 2 Cor. 5:15). The great thought of time swiftly passing to the Christian is that every day that passes, we are one day closer to heaven; every week, a week closer; every month, a month closer; and every year, a year closer. To spiritually lethargic saints, Paul writes, “And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we [first] believed'' (Rom. 13:11). No, now is not the time to be indifferent to spiritual matters--nor is it ever--for heaven's (or hell's) eternity continues to draw nearer. Time is quickly running its course; but it, too, like a wind-up clock, will one day cease. Will you be ready for the Judgment Day when that happens? Using your time now to obey the Lord is something that you will never regret in that great day of reckoning. Remember, Jesus truly took time for you; won't you take time for Him? “for He says, `At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you'; behold, now is `the acceptable time,' behold, now is `the day of salvation''' (2 Cor. 6:2). And for those of us who are Christians, we are each to be teachers of this and other great truths from God's word, as we are carried along the swift current of time to the shore of eternity (Heb. 5:12).   For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com

 Other Articles by Tom Edwards

Nadab, Abihu and the "Strange Fire"
The Pride that Blinds
The Essentiality of Belief in the Resurrection
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Learning to Yield to One Another
The Lord's Supper