The Journey of Life # 181

James 4:14

For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and

then vanisheth away.

Distraction is one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses against God's people. It consumes the limited amount of time that we have on this earth through worldly cares. The truth is we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

A confounding question is, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Consider rich men like Solomon, Job and Abraham, just to mention a few. Where are they now, and who possesses their worldly wealth? Which possessions were they able to take with them into eternity? Ask yourself a simple question. Is it really that important? a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Imagine how many people long to be rich and famous only to find their names written in an old dusty book years later. Some were willing to kill or die for gold, the very thing with which God uses to paves the streets of heaven. Others were willing to trade their eternal soul for something that has no eternal value whatsoever. Deceived by worldly cares, many of God's people have forgotten their purpose in life. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Brethren, keep in mind that our time is not in our own hands, but it is in God's hands.

Time is one of God's most precious gift towards mankind. However, a lifetime on the earth is like a vapor in the air that appears for a second then is gone forever. Our time is brief; tomorrow is not promised and eternity is inevitable. Yet, somehow the adversary has managed to keep many of God's people overly preoccupied with earthly matters: earthly matters that are irrelevant in eternity, but have consumed so much of our time. Take a moment and honestly judge your situation. How much time has been squandered in self-indulgence in comparison to the amount of time spent with God? Paul gave us a warning, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. In eternity our deepest regret will be, why didn't we spend more time in the presence of God.

Our hands may be filled with cares for our family, friends and ourselves, although there is nothing wrong with that. However, the problem lies when our cup is filled with worldly pleasure, leaving no room for spiritual nurturing. If there is no time for the things of God it is a clear indication that we've made plenty of time for worldly cares. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Peter said, the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Be sober from the intoxication of the world and be watchful in the things of God. Remember, the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Brethren, our time on earth is quickly coming to an end. Every breath and heartbeat brings us a second closer to eternity. Redeem the time by not being drunk with the things of this world, and be sober with the things of God.

1 Tim 6:7, Mk 8:36, Lk 12:15, Rev 4:11, Eph 5:16, Mat 26:41, 1 Pet 4:7, 1Jh 2:17, Lk 4:6-8

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