Some of my fondest memories of childhood revolve around sunny Sunday afternoon. I grew up in the country. Both my parents came from large families. Their siblings were all married with children and lived nearby. Sunday afternoons regularly brought many of them to our house. Softball, badminton and horseshoes were typical afternoon pastimes. And the games were so frequent that grass didn’t stand a chance. Did my parents complain about the damage done to our lawn? Not once that I recall. In fact, they were almost always involved in the games. There is not enough money in the world to buy the memories I have growing up on Bunner Ridge. But, today I know parents who won’t let their children or grandchildren walk, let alone play on the lawn.
Not long ago I read about a woman who bought a beautiful new dining room table which was finished with a special polyurethane varnish that guaranteed it to be waterproof, stain-proof and mar-proof. Unsatisfied, she bought a finely made cloth to protect the beautiful tabletop. Still not feeling safe, she purchased a quality plastic cover to protect the tablecloth. Then, to protect the new plastic cover she decided to eat off the old table in the kitchen.
You may find it hard to believe, but I know people who are much like that woman. They won’t use their best china or their best silver. They’re saving them for a special occasion. I once knew a man who bought a new suit, but his wife wouldn’t let him wear it. He had to save it for his funeral.
What good is good china, fine silver, a new suit or a lush lawn if unused? These things can be repaired or replaced if worn out or damaged. I doubt that anyone gets them with the intent never to use them. But, the right time never seems to come, and before you know it, it’s too late.
The same thing is true in regard to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Few who know and believe his message plan to face judgment and eternity unprepared. Yet, they delay their response to him, often until it’s too late. That’s exactly why Paul wrote: “… behold, now it the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
What are you waiting for? If you believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God (John 8:24), then you need to repent of your sins and be baptized (Acts 2:38). There is real danger in delay. Upon your obedience to him, he will add you to his church (Acts 2:47), and you can live the remainder of your life in service to him. The time for action is now. Tomorrow may be too late!
