The journey through life is quite adventurous. Like the rising of the sun, and the going down of the same, so can life be rightfully described. But the difference between the rising and setting of the sun cannot be all static, or characterized by inactivity. Man's daily activities are not independent of decision making at any point. It can therefore, be inferred that our activities are driven by our choices. But irrespective of the choices we make, it is important to note that we have only one life to live, and that the decisions we take are sure to affect this single life either positively or negatively.
Another thing worth taking note of, is that the end of one's life is not necessarily tied to or determined by his beginning. The beginning usually looks promising at first, but then, the decisions and choices made as one advances in life, determines his end.
A typical illustration of how things could turn out in one's life, can be seen below;
Michael could have become a Christian, but he became a criminal. He could have become a missionary, but decided to be a millionaire.
Early in life, one would have thought a John was in making, but he ended up being a Judas. We thought he would be another Paul, but he became another Pilate. If he had given his life to Christ on that day of decision, the world would have rejoiced for another Wesley, a proclaimer of holiness. But years after his day of opportunity, he became an aimless Vagabond carrying on his face the regret of bad decision. The thought may have never occurred to him that he has only one life to live.
Only one life, but with various possibilities for fruitfulness or worthlessness.
The Bible has this to say, "People have to die once. After that, God will judge them." (2 Hebrews 9:27) This Scripture is a fact we must face. We must think soberly on this.
But if we die, is there not a chance to come back and live again? Can we not live a bad life now then come back to earth to live a good life? Is there a single life only to live? There is only one life! What a terrifying truth: "People have to die once. After that, God will judge them." Is death certain? Is there a day of Judgment? Is there a reward, a recompense for a life sinful career, without a second chance to life? But then, God, angels and men, heaven and hell all give the same answer: "People have to die once. After that, God will judge them."
What account will you give? "Tell me what you have done. You cannot be my manager any more." (Luke 16:2) What account will you give when you come to the end of the road, when you get to the shores of eternity, when the last bells ring? When the pleasures of life cease to be pleasures, when beautiful buildings and equipage are no more seen or delightful? When you are on the brink of eternity, what account will you give? What will your answer be? What a day that will be!
No doubt, friend, you will tell of church membership, of baptism and confirmation, of
monthly contribution or tithe paying, of trips to holy lands, and of self righteousness.
But your answer will be nothing, empty of Christ as your life on earth had been empty of Christ. And your hope will be shattered! The hope of heaven will be replaced with the reality of hell. What is your hope? It will depend on what your decision is now, wise or otherwise!
Only one truth! Believe and act on this truth. Simply tell the Lord your sinful (bad) condition, sinful actions, sinful state. Ask for His forgiveness and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart. His peace and joy unspeakable will flood your soul.
And you will have the only one experience that will put purpose into your living.
Only one life, Only one Truth and Only one experience. Think and act on these things.
It is the one hindrance, the one barrier between you and God. "What then shall I do?" you ask. Forsake the sin, accept the Lord Jesus Christ! Ask the cleansing flood of His blood to cleanse you on the inside. Go on your knees in prayer asking Jesus to cleanse and renew your life.
Only one life, Only one Truth, and Only one Hindrance! What a sobering thought. Believe and act on these things. "Come on now, let's discuss this!" says the LORD. "Though your sins are bright red, they will become as white as snow. Though they are dark red, they will become as white as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (Isaiah 1:18-19)
Only one life and it's length or span is so brief and uncertain. How old are you? What is your age? Take that away from seventy! If you sleep 8 hours a day, you are asleep one-third of your life! If you are now 24 years old, one-third of that is 8. This means you have been asleep for 8 long years! If you sleep for only 6 hours a day, this means one-quarter of your life is sleep! How thoughtful we should be! If you waste two hours in idle chatter - talking, ratting, always having words to sow into the wind to reap a whirlwind later; spend about 3 hours on cooking, eating and caring for the body; spend 2 hours on the road travelling to places you have to go; add also hours spent on idle visitation! How about hours given to secular work - 7 hours? Now let's sum it up, 8 plus 2 plus 3 plus 2 plus 7 = 22 (twenty-two) hours for the body, leaving two short hours for God, Christ and your soul! You must rethink and plan anew! Why this waste? To what purpose is this waste? Forget the old, make a new start for a fruitful and meaningful life. Two hours is only one-twelfth if regular everyday!, to prepare for eternity! Two hours daily is too small to prepare for eternity! Friends, it ought not to be so.
Only one life - and it's so brief! Think on these things. Only one life - one brief life. So brief like the sleep of a single night. Many pass through life quickly like "the weaver's shuttle". Others pass through life like a bird passing through the air, without leaving a mark behind for good on any life! Only one brief life!
Perhaps the past 20, 25 or 30 years of your life have been wasted or worse than wasted. They have been spent on no purpose, or worse still, bad purpose. A waste! How much has your life been worth? Put a price tag on it! What has been the value of your life? A soul winner or only a breadwinner for a small family? How solemn! Only one life, and that wasted and squandered! How disturbing that will be on the day of judgment. It will never leave the memory, thought, the words, will be like "worm which never dies," "in the fire which will never be quenched." What regret, what sorrow, what loss, what misery and what agony to regret, saying 'I could have lived in Christ, but I lived in chaos; I could have been a Christian, but it was crisis all my life. ' What misery - a regret in eternity, a regret for eternity!
But life with Christ is life indeed. He is the answer to every question of the human mind, the answer to every longing of the heart, and the answer to every need of man. He is the Fountain-head of all true pleasure. Is He yours? He should be. He died for you. Is He yours? He can be. He knocks at your hearts door and seeks admission. Is He yours? He will be, the very moment you make Him your all in all. "Now is the right time. Now is the day to be saved." (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Only one life. Only one Truth, Only one hindrance. Only one experience. Only one decision. Will yours be wise or otherwise?
At this point, I want to believe that you've realized your need for Jesus. He is the greatest Thing you will ever need. Your decision likewise, to accept Him, is the best decision you've ever made. If so, then you can pray this prayer of forgiveness and acceptance;
Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner! Forgive all my sins, and blot out my transgressions. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and make me clean by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. I forsake sin, and consecrate my life to your service and to the good of others, and to walk in the light of your Word as I learnt it. I believe that you do forgive me according to your word. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer wholeheartedly, you can be sure that Christ Jesus has also accepted you wholly. His word cannot fail. But you must not go back to your old ways. Your eyes must forever be fixed on Jesus. A little turning back may cost you your hope of escaping the terror of hell. Turning back means giving the devil another chance to snatch you away and possibly beyond recovery.
Finally, be sure to contact us on any spiritual help and counsel on how to keep pressing forward in your new found life and hope. We will ever be ready to respond to your request. God Bless You!