Enthusiasm for life seems to come from what we can eagerly look forward to. The birthday, or the wedding, or holidays, or graduation, or going on a date. If there are some things or even one pleasant thing up ahead, there is enough incentive to keep living enthusiastically. When there is nothing, just a blank, life is humdrum to say the least.

Living in the present

While what we’ve said above is true, the greater part of our thinking is in the present. What must be done today; how to get through everything. Life serves up delays, frustrations, emergencies and unexpected demands on our time. The car won’t start when we’re in a hurry. The kids have got the flu, the shop is out of the very thing we need, and the boss is talking about retrenchment.

So it goes, day after day, week after week. Sometimes it seems like a trap we’re in with no way out.

That unknown factor; the future

Most of us find it hard to think about the future — and no wonder.

You hear talk about computers, pods and pads that can do marvels at a touch. Some interact with voices. Children have access to endless entertainment. Just what science has in store the average person can’t visualize. The media keeps talking about war, division and dislike in the world.

It doesn’t seem to pay to think about our unknown future, so, fatalistically, we resign ourselves to whatever will be. And this attitude becomes a way of life, fixed and firm.

Dare to look ahead

Years ago, a man on a personal crusade, wrote the word ‘Eternity’ with yellow chalk on footpaths and in all kinds of public places around the city of Sydney. Thousands of people over many years were reminded that time comes to an end but eternity never ends. How we need that wake-up call!

Personally, I look to Jesus Christ, the one who makes sense of history and tells us that we are going somewhere. He says things like: “Don’t store up for yourselves treasure on earth, but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.”

“So also you must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour when you don’t expect Him. Therefore keep watch, because you don’t know on what day your Lord will come.”

The New Testament goes on to urge people to move into a right relationship with God while the opportunity is here. More is taught about the return of Jesus to earth, emphasising our need to be ready. It tells us that life is uncertain but that death is certain. It warns that dying without being ready is a tragedy. It says that eternity without God is awful beyond words.

Preparation for the oncoming future is wise. Neglect is unwise. What a great thing that God is offering us a pardon and a life lived in the eternal present, in the joy of knowing Him. What are we doing with that offer?