The Journal of a Misspent Life

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Jesus answered, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark." (John 12:35, CEV).

As followers of Jesus we are a people who live not only in the past, but also in the future. However, this only works if we can incorporate both into our lives now and live purposefully in the present -- by walking in the light while we can.

Yes, we look back to the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, and follow the story all the way to the Cross -- when mankind was ransomed by the Son of God, who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. And we look to the future when our King will return and abolish all injustice, all wrongdoing of any kind, and every form of evil. Righteousness will reign and peace will cover the earth.

But, our grand view of the past and our glorious vision for the future must define us as we live purposefully in the present. We must walk in the light -- while we can.

Some live only and always in the past with a nostalgic affection for things as they were, but can never be again. Others wistfully long for that which is yet to come, so captivated with their preoccupation of the golden streets of glory they never actually even once walk the dusty streets of earth -- you know, the highways and the byways where so many are wandering without a Savior.

What this world needs now more than anything is a light that shines in the darkness -- someone whose faith, hope and love illuminate their sphere of influence. Someone who, because they look back and have an unshakable faith; and, because they look forward and have an unending hope; they now live purposely in the present with an unfailing love.

The simple and unalterable fact of the matter is that a thousand years from now in either direction is what it is -- what matters most is right now. What will you do in this present moment of historic opportunities? Will you walk in the light while you can?

The bookends which frame in the library of our lives are magnificently epic, beautiful beyond belief. Wouldn't it be a shame if the only thing we placed on the bookshelf of history between these two bookends was the journal of a misspent life?

Let us mark well the words of Jesus, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark." (John 12:35, CEV).
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