Something Not To Be Put Off
Eddie Cooper
We fail, many times, to take advantage of opportunities for doing good things, and, as a result, they pass and are gone forever. When we are in school, we may put off studying for a test until just before the test; or, we may have an assignment to be completed by a certain date, and we wait until the last minute to get it done. Opportunities to complete these tasks are subject to completion at the last minute.
Some things should not be put off because the opportunity may never come again. The earlier some things are accepted and done can also allow for better grounding for the days and years to come.
The following statistics came to me recently: “19 out of every 20 who become Christians do so before they reach the age of 25. After 25, only 1 in 10,000. After 35, only 1 in 50,000. After 45, only 1 in 200,000. After 55, only 1 in 300,000. After 65, only 1 in 500,000. After 75, only 1 in 700,000.” Staggering figures, aren’t they?
Why do some postpone their obedience to the gospel until late in life? I do not know the answer to that, but I do know that there have been many that I have met who said, “I don’t know why I didn’t become a Christian earlier in life. I’ve wasted so many opportunities.”
Is waiting so long worth the risk? Putting off the walk with God in Christ for later years may be the risk of losing the opportunity altogether, losing the opportunity to impact the lives of many along the way, and/or diminishing much of the joy that could have been experienced in the usefulness to the Lord during those years.
Solomon teaches us to remember our creator in the days of our youth. Ecclesiastes 12:1. He went on to describe the limited mobility and senses of old age (verses 2-7). During the early years, there is more energy and alertness that can be used to the glory of God. What a blessing it can be to look back upon life when one nears the time of departing into eternal glory.
Our prayer is that today will be the day you will surrender your life to the One who provides the best life we could possibly possess for now and eternity. In view of these statistics, may we also be mindful of the need to urge others around us to begin the journey in Christ now as well. -1036 Greenland Circle, So. Charleston, WV 25309. Eddiecooper1036@hotmail.com