The Time Is Now

Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing.

Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

2 Corinthians 3-10 ESV

Now is the right time to listen. Right now. In group, at home, basketball court, wherever you are.

Right in this moment.

There’s no time to be playing around with God. There’s no time to be a fan of church and not a disciple of God.

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

James 4:14 ESV

Life is a vapor.

And Christian life isn’t easy. We don’t do this out of vain repetition like Pharisees. We do this because God sent his son to die for us, and we have the opportunity to serve well and faithfully.

Working hard in your life? Great, do it for God too.

Tired? Be tired but never stop being a light.

Homeless? So was Jesus, in fact what he said was:

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Matthew 8:20 ESV

He never guaranteed a home, or riches or wealth. He guarantees eternal life.

Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing.