Monday, January 5th
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Our culture tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and diet are ways we attempt to live as long as possible. Not that these things are bad! Motive, however, is key.
Take, for example, the fact that our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Not only should we take care of His dwelling, but also, since He has good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), we should do everything possible to make sure we can carry them out.
In contrast, prolonging life because we fear death isn’t of God. Jesus died in our place, so everyone who trusts in Him as Lord and Savior need not worry. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live forever in His presence.
Our omniscient God already knows the duration of each person’s life (Psalm 139:16). With this in mind, the best way to prepare for what’s next is to receive Jesus as Savior through faith and then live a surrendered life, striving to walk according to His will.
Furthermore, it is vital that believers keep eternity in mind. This world is very beautiful, ours to enjoy and care for, but we have another home awaiting us in heaven. Both are blessings from our heavenly Father, but the latter is eternal.
How can you best live so that you are ready when God has determined your time on earth is complete?
Lord, thank you for sending your son to die in our place for our sins. Please help me to trust in your timing for my life because you have it already planned out. Amen.