The expression “time flies” seems like an understatement. We’re always looking for ways to do things faster. However, as we cut times we simply fill the time we save with more things to do. As we accomplish more, we’re always looking for ways to accomplish more. It's a never ending cycle.
Time really is moving quickly, and each passing year brings each of us closer to the day when our time on this earth will end. More important, each day brings us closer to that day of reckoning when God will hold all mankind accountable for the way they have lived their lives and bring time, as this world knows it, to an abrupt end.
2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
With the passing of time you realize that the real basis of life doesn't consist in how many jobs we get done, how many promotions we get, how much money we save or how much stuff we accumulate. What gives life meaning is our spiritual identity.
Philippians 3:7-8 NLT I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
We’re created in God’s image.
Genesis 1:27 NLT So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
He has an eternal home with Him prepared for us.
John 14:2-3 ESV In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Getting there, and hopefully taking others with us, is what life is all about. Serving God here is tied to our getting there. Teaching others this truth is part of serving God here.
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The devil has been very good at getting people to focus only on this life and away from God.
Time is passing, getting shorter. We have work to do. There is precious little time left. Let us use this year wisely, squeeze out of it as much good as we can for the cause of Christ. Let us use our time in such a way as to be able, when our time is up, to feel good about the way we used it. Let us use this year and every year, first and foremost, to God’s glory.