Dr. David Jeremiah, a pastor whose writings I admire, has the following message for all:
To assume that we have plenty of time to ‘get serious’ about spiritual things is to presume upon the future. (No one can say for sure that they will even be alive tomorrow.) Also to assume that we won’t enjoy spiritual growth is an insult to God.
If you have been procrastinating about engaging in spiritual growth, don’t assume that you know the future. Redeem the time today while you are able. Ephesians 5:16.
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions that will not be followed, a better way is to have one goal: To be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18. This means listening for the Lord’s guidance and asking for His strength to avoid sin. Do this every day. Have the objective to live a Spirit-filled life – and see what will be accomplished. [Read Hebrews 13]
Be enthusiastic about your faith, it will show and people will recognize its value. Each morning on arising, tell yourself, “This is the day that God has made! This is day when goodness and mercy shall follow me! This is the day in which the overflow of my heart can touch someone with the Gospel! Today is for purposeful living!”
We can start every day knowing that someone, somewhere, somehow will be influenced toward the Lord today by our lives, smiles, attitude, actions, love and words of witness. We can do this even without realizing our influence on others.
The Bible commands us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58). We may not always see the results, but the Lord knows about our faith and actions, and He will bless us.
Tell your friends not to wait too long. They have the opportunity right now to know the Lord, but before long it may be too late.