As the New Year starts, all should have looked back at their lives in the past year.
Older people are keenly aware that as one year passes, they come closer to the end of their journey. Young folks seem to think their lives will last forever.
Whether young or old, all should be preparing for eternity.
As one looks back on the past year, they should determine if they improved themselves, stayed the same or lost ground.
Most can look at their physical life and make this assessment. They look to their bank account or stock holdings to determine how they have done.
While there is nothing wrong with doing this, one should check their spiritual bank account and it should be checked first.
God’s word tells us about the brevity of this life: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).
The Hebrew writer said, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb. 9:27). Plans can be made for the future, but death can come at any time.
In the account of the rich man and Lazarus, it seems that all the rich man cared about was things he could enjoy in this life, not thinking of eternity or even his fellow man. This man forgot God.
Last year at this time, millions of people believed they would see 2020, but they did not make it. Their life was ended. Accidents, sickness, terrorism, even war claim lives every day.
God has blessed man with the time to prepare for eternal life, and it is up to each person to take advantage of this blessing. It may be that the last year was wasted in putting so much stock in the physical that no preparation was made for eternity.
John wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
Starting the new year is a great time to get started preparing for eternity. Those who are not familiar with God’s word should purchase a Bible and begin studying to learn what is expected of them.
The idea of facing eternity is not frightening to those who are prepared. Christians know that leaving this life to be with God is a good thing.
Paul spoke of it in this manner: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better …” (Phil 1:23).
Paul was prepared to take the journey into eternity. He had not always been ready. While on a mission to arrest Christians, Paul (then called Saul) was told by Jesus to go into the city and he would be told what to do.
Annianis told him to, “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins …” (Acts 22:16). He then lived a life for God, so that he was prepared for eternity (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
Do not waste another year in getting prepared for eternity. Take advantage of all God has done. Study, learn and obey all God’s commands. He loves all and wants all to be saved.