I’M GETTING older. Who isn’t? Still, I sometimes feel like a child. Don’t you? And that’s good, if we retain a youthful spirit. But if I act childishly, in a selfish way, that’s no good.
We think of people as young, old, or middle aged. If someone lives 80 or 90 years, we say they have lived a long time. But have they really?
How fast does time fly? How quickly have the years passed by? In world history, each life is like a flash. In the history of the universe, all human existence is but a twinkle.
So in God’s eyes, we must all be incredibly young, just beginning.
When I see an older man or woman, maybe hunched over and walking slowly, I should think, “There goes a child. God’s children are all so, so young.”
Then we wonder why God’s plans seem to take so long. We want results now. But even though you can send an instant message, it doesn’t mean reality moves any faster.
There must be some kind of wisdom hidden here. I think it has to do with our concept of time.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (2 Peter 3:8)
For those who wait for the second coming of Christ, we might think, “What’s taking so long?” Or maybe, “Not so fast, I still need time.” Some things we want to happen right now, but in other spaces we ask for more time.
Meanwhile, we struggle to not live in the past or the future. We regret and we worry. The ‘now’ becomes forgotten, even though it’s all we have.
I can’t change my past. But instead of continued shame, my history can be a source of wisdom. I can’t see the future. But instead of worry I can anticipate God’s plan unfolding. I can wait for it and desire it.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).
Nobody enjoys repentance. Nobody likes to admit their faults. I certainly don’t. But the result is heavenly as it brings forth truth and light. It puts us back in tune with God. And then we can sing joyful praises. The ‘now’ is wonderful again.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. (2 Peter 3:10).
Maybe this sounds scary, like impending doom. But later Peter says,
You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. (2 Peter 3:11b-12a)
What does this mean? Should we desire the End Times? Do I want to hurry to death? I think the deeper meaning is understanding the value of ‘now’.
Live today to the fullest, as if tomorrow will never come. Live as holy and godly as possible. This is not a restriction, it’s freedom, to do good and to be good. And to be happy, despite your history and uncertainty.
And if you’re stuck in a rut, in a vicious circle consuming you, hurry to the end of it. Invoke Godspeed to health and liberty. Take ownership of the moment, of the ‘now’. Be a kid again and take the risk. Claim the strength and confidence that God gives you to break free.
He gives all his children rest and safe refuge.
Finally, when we look upon others, all of them, children, adults, the wrinkled and smooth… remember, they are all so, so young. We are all still children. Be patient with them, with us, with yourself.
Give yourself permission to let the ‘now’ be wonderful again.
…
…
…
Never miss a post. Subscribe to Third Millennium Man.
Third Millennium Man 