THE TIME IS SHORT

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Recently my congregation looked at this passage, where the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians believers not to waste the precious time entrusted to them. The kingdom is coming, and when it comes there will be no more time to sow into eternity, only a time for reaping what has been sown. This is his consistent advice, given to all the believers who would listen to him.

To the Ephesians, he put it this way:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

And to Timothy, he tried to instill the need to stay focused on the mission of the kingdom:

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2 Timothy 2:4-7)

I believe the Spirit is highlighting these passages because many of us need to refocus on the shortness of time and the worthiness of the kingdom for our undivided devotion. Some of us have drifted into a half-life with God, partially doing the work of the kingdom, partially trying to find our life and joy in this world. But our Lord Jesus' words ring out the warning and promise:

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39)

Perhaps some of us have been trying to rescue our crucified lives from the cross, where they belong. But dear brothers and sisters, we should not do that. The time is short, and Jesus will come, just as He promised He would. And, "when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:4)

And those who have multiplied the grace He has given us will hear the blessed affirmation:

"‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’"(Matthew 25:21)

Friends, we need to run the race marked out for us, living for eternity in Christ and simply passing through this fading world.

Let's open our eyes and see that the time is short. Let's live for His glory, that the Lamb of God, our precious Savior Jesus, would receive the reward of His suffering in the earth. Amen.