Too Late

I have a four year old daughter, and as most children her age she knows to use the bathroom when her body “tells” her she has to go. And as my wife is a teacher she often offers our children a reward incentive for doing as they’re told. And so, as my daughter is only four, she often decides to “listen” to her body to late as she is involved in the moment, and we have what we call an “accident.” And as a direct result of her “accident” she does not and is not allowed the reward. My daughter gets mad, yells, kicks, and screams that, “It’s not fair!” and that we are not, “Being nice.” And though she is only four years of age, she understands the logic and reason for such a turn of affairs; however, she still wants the reward despite this fact.

As Christians we relish the blessings, promises, and the future rewards of Heaven. Yet, we often ignore, set aside, or reject God and His Word. And despite this fact we still want it all. We want all that God has promised, and this world, and all our desires. Even though we know that our Heavenly Father has told us that such is a spiritual impossibility. (Matt 6:24; John 12:25-26; Romans 6:5; Romans 7:5-6) And likewise as a child we throw a fit when we are unable to reap the rewards; knowing full well why. We say, “It’s not fair!” “Why?” “How dare He!” and, “If God was ‘just!’ ” Yes, we do all these things and more. We question, argue, and debate The Almighty. We do this all hoping, wishing, and justifying our way; despite the fact that we know why.

We as Christians, as my daughter does, get caught in the moment. We see this life, all it has to offer, and despite that “warning” knowing what His Word declares; we “hold it.” We thing we have plenty of time to get it right or time to came back around. We convince and tell ourselves that it’s a minor issue or that God really is not concerned with such. And that we will be able to slip by.

It is perplexing and amazing. Why do we do all these things knowing full well the truth of the matter? As in the example of my daughter, she’s only four, and were only human. Is this a justifiable excuse? God’s Word declares the answer. Yes, we are only human, and we are sinful by nature, but it is no excuse. For He sent His only begotten Son as a ransom. Christ paid our debt in full. The Word of God declares that in times past he winked at our ignorance, but now commands all to repent; for He sent His Son to die in our place. (Acts 17:30-31; John 3:16) And He is very concerned in all aspects of our life.

I write this as I am concerned for The Church. I see and hear so many excuses. The deception, apathy, and soul-damming game playing; the Church cannot afford to ignore, set aside, and reject His Word any longer. The day will come when those who tinkered around with the Gospel will have waited too long. (Genesis 6:3; 1 Thess. 5:19) I urge you to search the scriptures to see if you be in the faith. (2 Cor. 13:5; John 5:3-9) That you try the spirits that you be not deceived, that you lay aside every sin and weight that does so easily entangle you, and that you awake unto righteousness to the saving of your soul; before it is too late. (1 John 4:1; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:34; Romans 13:11-12; Ephesians 5:14-18)