I first saw the above picture sometime in August and now, as the New Year approaches, this saying, and several similar sayings regarding the New Year are widespread.
When I read this I first thought, “How behind are you if you aren’t already planning for 2016, 2017…18…22… etc?”
How behind are you if you aren’t already planning for eternity?
The Bible tells us many times that our focus should not be on the things of this world, but on eternity:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7: 30- 32
The Bible even tells us that eternity is written on our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This truth reveals why earthly pursuits and New Years Resolutions like “eat healthy,” “read more books,” “travel,” will NEVER satisfy us. We will constantly long for more, to do more, to have more, to achieve more, because eternity is written on our hearts.
All the more reason to prepare for it.
My pastor recently gave a sermon where he used the parable of the ten virgins as an example to encourage us to not only be awake but to be alert and prepared, to be constantly gathering and replenishing the oil in our lamps so that we are ready when Jesus comes to take His bride. (Matthew 25:1-13)
What can we do today to prepare ourselves for eternity? How can we focus on acquiring more of Jesus? On filling our lamps with oil so that when The Light of the World returns, we are not left in the dark, scattering to prepare at the last minute?
What keeps us from preparing for eternity?
Are we being distracted by New Years Resolutions, 5 and 10 year plans and the like? Are we being like the Rich Fool Jesus describes who plans to store up his riches without thinking that his life would be required of him that very day? (Luke12:13-21)
Not that planning in itself is bad. Many verses in Proverbs inform us that it is wise to plan and prepare. (Proverbs 24:27, Proverbs 21:5) Jesus Himself encourages us to plan, to count the cost before picking up our crosses to follow Him. (Luke 14:25-33)
But sometimes we are so set on our own plans that lose sight of Who we were made for and what He has designed and prepared for us to do.
As the New Year approaches let’s circulate a better saying. One that will remind us and others to prepare for eternity, because if you haven’t prepared for THAT then you are certainly behind.
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.” Help me to store up my treasures in heaven and to not be anxious about my life, what I will eat, nor about my body, what I will wear. Remind me that life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.Help me to set all my plans before you and to seek You and Your kingdom above all else, trusting in Your promise that You will supply all my needs.
(Psalm 39:4, Matthew 6:20, Luke 12:22-23, Proverbs 16:3, Matthew 6:33)
