The time is now

Romans 6:20-21    For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

I awoke this morning and just laid there thinking for awhile. I did not want to turn on the news and hear of the horror in Connecticut Friday; I am avoiding the news to avoid the pain the media will sensationalize. My mind went all over the place for awhile, even to a place not so long ago before Christ. Remembering how I pursued everything but God, many things I hold my head in shame over. I came out and prayed and just began to read in Romans again. It was not long before I came to this scripture above. I bow my head in shame of my life before Christ; I knew better but still rebelled against God. For the end of those things is death. An eternal death in hell without the realization of my sin and the provision of Christ as an escape from it.

I remember for years telling my parents how I would become a Christian “one day”, but I wanted to have my fun for now. The events of the past two days should set a stone in your heart; a weight that only Christ can remove; the weight you carry in your sin. There is no planning for your life; you fall into God’s plan. The Free Will He designed us with moves in four directions. You may either drift to the right or left on life’s highway, but you are also either climbing towards, or headed down the mountain from God. There is not a timetable on which you can plan your days, and plan when you want to become a Christian. The time is now. James 4:14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

If you reflect on your life, honestly, it should bring about a conviction of sin. If you feel that you are overall a good person and have no sin, you will die in your pride and pay eternally for it. 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Even after you accept Christ and are forgiven of your sins; past, present, and future; you still have sin in your life. The removal of that sin is called Sanctification, where God points those sins out to you in prayer and His Word. The tug for repentance, and the plea for forgiveness, bring you one step closer to God. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. All it takes is a humble repentant heart before God. A plea of forgiveness; and acceptance of Christ as the only way to God. Are you ready? The time is now.