This past week served as a reminder to engage while you can. Tomorrow is not promised nor is it guaranteed.
A young man got sick this week, and the doctors could not figure out what was wrong. Two days later he died.
An older man got sick one week ago, and the doctors told him there was nothing they could do. Six days later he died.
A young friend lies in the hospital with COVID, and the doctors have asked the family to come say their goodbyes.
The reality is this: you do not know when one of these lines will be about you, nor do you know when one of these lines will be about a person you know or love. Therefore, we must each engage with each other. Hug your friends. Reach out to your children, parents, and grandparents if you can. The person that has been on your mind recently, go ahead and engage that person.
Do What You Can Today
Paul describes life in Christ. He explains how God grants us both the grace of energy and opportunity every day (cf., Gal 5:13-6:10). We each share twenty-four hours each day. Notice how he ends this section:
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6:9-10)
He challenges us to do good and keep doing good. As we walk in the Spirit, we cannot get weary. Along the way, as we have opportunity, we must do good to all people, especially those who are of the household of faith.
What an incredible challenge each of us receive. I love this part of the Christian faith. As we see people, think about them, and have opportunity to engage them, then for the glory of God and good to those around us, do something.
Why Do People Need You Today without Delay?
Life is difficult. Social distancing takes its toll. Pressures build. Life is short. There are no guarantees of tomorrow.
Consider this challenging passage:
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Eccl 9:10)
We only have today. We must do what we know is right, right now. In the grave we cannot do what we need to do today.
So, my friend, engage. Creatively serve someone in the love of Christ. Share a smile. Give a word of greeting. Send a note, text, email, or reach out on social media. Let someone know of your appreciate. Say thank you. Pay attention to those who serve you and thank them.
If and when you do these things, two things will happen simultaneously: first, you will receive a blessing for doing God’s bidding as an ambassador of Christ, and second, the other person will receive a blessing as well. In addition, on a later day when you do not have any further opportunities either because the other person is not available or you are not, you will not have any regrets.
On this Sunday…let us take advantage of our opportunities for the glory of God in the love of Christ.
If you do not have a church home, feel free to worship with us either in-person or online at 10:00 AM CST. You can get directions online at www.sonrisebaptist.com or can join our service online.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together