Once back in the 1950s I was in a drug store looking over the selection of paperback books that were for sale. One certain book caught my attention, or at least its title. It was George Orwell's 1984. At the time I thought to myself: "1984 is a long way into the future."

Well, that "long way into the future" has come and gone! In a few short years we will be living in the 21st century. It only seems like yesterday that we were living in the 50s (at least to those of us who grew up during that time). But the same could be said of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. My grandmother Cochran's father stayed up the night of December 31, 1899 thinking over the 19th century and wondering what the 20th century held in store for man. I suppose that others in similar fashion will do the same on December 31, 1999.

The Bible admonishes us concerning the swiftness of time. Job compared his days to the swiftness of a "weaver's shuttle. " Jesus told his disciples that "we must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (Jn. 9:4). Paul tells us to redeem "the time (buy up the opportunities), because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16; cf. Col. 4:5; Gal. 6:10). We are being warned by God that our lives come and go so fast that we had best make the most of what time we do have.

We are all stewards of the time God has given us in which to live our lives on earth. At the judgment we will give an account to him as to how we have used this time (cf. 1 Cor. 4:2; Matt. 25:37-40, 44-46). We must, therefore, evaluate our lives insofar as our service to God is concerned. There is much that needs to be done in this great service. Life is too short for us to waste time! Resolve now to do all that you are able for God in whatever time he may allow you to enjoy.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 21, p. 649
November 5, 1992