If Tomorrow Never Comes!
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesUsing the Phillips Translation, James 4:14 reads: “How do you know what will happen tomorrow? What, after all, is your life? It is like a puff of smoke, visible for a little while and then dissolving into thin air.” With these thoughts in mind, let’s think about the following:
“What If’s” — often foolish and detrimental, but sometimes valuable. For example, “What if tomorrow never comes?” Fanciful you say? Our text shows otherwise! (2 Peter 3:8-14). From this text one thing is certain — life is uncertain!
But there are some things that are certain! (cf. Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:32; Revelation 20:11-12). It is no wonder then that Peter, when he looked at the uncertainty of life, went on to ask what manner of persons we ought to be (2 Peter 3:11)! If tomorrow never comes, what manner of things do I want written in the book of life? Do I want it written that I…..
Was In Christ?
Many spend their whole life striving to be in the best clothing, house, car …. but what will these matter a hundred years from now? What will matter is whether I am in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 5:23). But how? We must let the Judge answer (Romans 6:1-4; Gal. 3:26-27).
Was A Servant Of God?
Matthew 20:20-28 — Again, any other way is failure. Being “in Christ” brings responsibilities as a servant (Romans 6:17; Titus 2:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 2:10). We might ask, “what is a servant?” — let the Judge answer (Matthew 25:23; 1 Samuel 2:35).
Was An Example To Others?
If my son/daughter/grandchild/spouse …. follows me, then according to Bible teaching, my example will lead them to heaven or hell. Whether older like Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1) or young like Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12), we can each give the gift of an example to others. What kind of example will be written that I have been in …. becoming a child of God? Worshipping? Living?
Made A Difference?
We’re not speaking of worldly accomplishments, but making a difference for eternity! Making a real difference can come in many ways such as, (1) Influencing your child, spouse, or anyone else to obey the Gospel; (2) Allowing the light of God in you to push the darkness back in a world filled with darkness (Matthew 5:16); (3) Living so as to glorify God in the midst of a self-serving world. Such things make an eternal difference!
Conclusion
If tomorrow never comes (and indeed it may not), then who do I want to be like?
1) The rich man who is suffering and bemoaning the fate of others? (Luke 16:22-25)
Or
2) Lazarus, comforted in Abraham’s bosom? (Luke 16:23)
The choice is mine (and yours!).