[313 words]
Most of us “know” better than we “do.” And most of us intend better than we perform. But we feel as if time is on our side. We’ll get to it eventually. We’ll begin tomorrow.
Sadly, many of us never “get to it” and tomorrow never comes. Procrastination is still the thief of time.
The Bible places a premium on today. Not tomorrow, of which we are warned not to boast (Proverbs 27:1). And not next year, of which we have no certainty (James 4:13-16). But today. Now.
“Now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).
Even our Lord, while in the flesh, understood the transient nature of time and thus the urgency of today. He taught, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:3,4).
You have yet to obey the gospel? Follow the example of first century converts who, having heard the gospel, obeyed immediately, even as in one case, “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33). Don’t put off your soul’s salvation.
The good you intend to do? Do it now. The kindness you plan one day to extend to those you love? Do it now. The forgiveness you know you ought to offer those who have slighted you, offended you or caused you pain? Do it now.
As Emerson once observed, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
Yesterday is past, tomorrow may never come. “Now is the accepted time.”
Dalton Key
Tulsa, OK