Seriousness Of Life

W

e live in a nation that is often referred to as a “Christian Nation,” but it seems that the majority are more concerned about the world than Christianity. So many want to claim Christianity to a small degree while giving their full allegiance to the world. What they fail to realize is the fact, that this is not acceptable to God. How do we know this to be true? Because Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad" (Mt. 12:30).

To be a follower of Christ, one must give up the evil ways of the world. Certainly, this is not easy, but Jesus taught, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23). Someone might say, “But I love the world!” However, all need to realize that this attitude cuts one off from loving God. The apostle John verified this by writing: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).

Why do so many ignore the plain teaching of the word? Among the many reasons that could be given, there is one that stands out in front of all the others. The majority seems to ignore the reality that after a short time, we will all face eternity either SAVED in Christ, or LOST out of Christ!

Millions seem to think that they have a written guarantee from God that they will live upon this earth for MANY years. However, just the opposite is true. In fact, God guarantees that we are all terminal! That our lives are short like a vapor (Jas. 4:14), brief like the appearance of grass and flowers (1 Pet. 1:24), and will shortly flee like a shadow, (Job 14:1).

In addition to the biblical teaching on the brevity of life, most newspapers publish a long list of obituaries in their daily news. Likewise, almost anyone you ask will tell you that they have lost friends and relatives by death! Yet, in the face of all of this, millions still refuse to take seriously the reality of death. It seems to them that death is always happening to someone else.

Recently, while sitting in a hospital waiting room and watching people of all ages seeking medical help, I jotted down the following lines:

The footsteps of life march on their way, beating the drums of time. Leaving behind both joys and sadness, while being felt by all mankind. Choices are made by the steps taken, some even lead us astray. Others prove to be very precious, preparing us for an eternal day. Then listen to the steps that are taken, as into the distance they fade. For the drums that you are hearing, are only heartbeats to the grave. —BBBristow