Neville Turley

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

We all know that life is brief. When you were at school and your whole life lay ahead of you, the future seemed endless.  However, the older one gets the faster the years seem to slip by. The opportunities we did not grasp at the time are lost forever.

Years ago, hanging on the wall of many a home was a quotation attributed to Stephen Grellet (1773-1855) often alongside a picture of a knight in full armour. It read: “I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”

The Apostle James also warned that life was short, and we should not boast about tomorrow. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:14-15)

At the heart of Christianity is a clarion call to action. Jesus wants us to repent and become part of his family. Nowhere does the Bible decree that if we accept the Lord’s invitation, we will enjoy a smooth ride to the gates of heaven.

Quite the opposite! It will be a bumpy ride and we will have to overcome many challenges as we make our way through unchartered territory. However, every challenge will be an opportunity to glorify God.

The wonderful news for a Christian is that we need not fear what the future holds, because our destiny is secure in God’s hands. All will be well.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you.  May your Holy Spirit enable us to share with others your grace and love through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen