Opinions of Monday, 24 February 2025

Columnist: Anthony Obeng Afrane

The Unseen Clock: Eternity and the urgency of today

File photo of a Bible File photo of a Bible

After my exhortation article yesterday titled "Holding On: Hope and Patience in the Face of Disappointment", one of my ardent readers and a colleague writer, Mr. Komla Selassi was full of praise for that piece. What he didn't know is that I have a secret; and my secret is that, by the grace of God I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I am a trophy of God's grace, and ever since I met Jesus at the Calvary Baptist Church near the then Nkrumah Circle in 1993, the blood of Jesus that saved me has never lost its power in my life.

I promised Selassi that I would attempt to write a sermon due to his words of encouragement, and today being the last Sunday of the month of February, I would like to take the opportunity to honour my pledge. Praise the Lord.

Folks, have you ever paused amidst the daily grind, the endless to-do lists, and fleeting pleasures, to ponder the profound question of where you will spend eternity? It's a question that resonates with the core of our being, yet one that is often sidelined by the urgent demands of the present.

We live in a world that emphasises the here and now, encouraging us to accumulate possessions, achieve recognition, and delay gratification. We plan for retirement, invest in education, and meticulously map out our careers. While these pursuits are not inherently wrong, they can become distractions, obscuring the larger, more significant questions about our purpose and destiny.

One of the most dangerous assumptions we can make is that we have an indefinite amount of time to address matters of the soul. We often tell ourselves there will be ample opportunity to seek spiritual truth, reconcile relationships, and make amends for past wrongs. This procrastination, however, is a perilous gamble.

The stark reality, as the Bible reminds us, is that "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

This verse highlights the inescapable truth of our mortality and the sobering consequence of judgment that awaits us. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Life is a fragile gift, and its end can come unexpectedly, leaving us without the chance to address the deeper questions we've been postponing.

Think about it. Accidents happen. Illnesses strike. And sometimes, life simply runs its course. Suddenly, the opportunities we thought were limitless vanish, leaving us with the weight of unfulfilled intentions and unresolved issues.

Therefore, the urgency of seeking spiritual understanding and living a life aligned with divine principles cannot be overstated. The temptation to postpone these considerations until a more convenient time is a siren song that can lead us astray.

Instead, we must prioritise the things that truly matter. As Matthew 6:33 advises, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This verse encapsulates a powerful truth: when we prioritise our relationship with God, everything else falls into perspective. When we focus on seeking His guidance and living according to His will, we gain clarity, purpose, and peace that transcends the anxieties of the world.

"Seeking first the Kingdom of God" is not about neglecting our earthly responsibilities. Rather, it's about approaching them with a different perspective. It's about making decisions that are aligned with our values and principles, treating others with kindness and compassion, and using our talents and resources to make a positive impact on the world.

It’s about acknowledging that our time on earth is a precious opportunity to prepare for eternity. It’s about recognising that our choices have consequences that extend beyond this earthly realm.

Therefore, let us not be lulled into a false sense of security. Let us not delay the pursuit of spiritual truth and the development of a relationship with God.

The clock is ticking, and the opportunity to secure our eternal destiny is now. Let us choose wisely, live purposefully, and seek first the Kingdom of God, knowing that in doing so, we are preparing for a future that transcends the limitations of time and space. The peace and fulfillment that come from aligning ourselves with the divine will are blessings that endure, both in this life and in the eternity that awaits.

If you just read this article and do not have a personal relationship with God please say this short prayer:

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God who died to pay the penalty for my sins. I open the door of my heart and ask you to be my Savior and Lord. I ask your forgiveness for all my sins. Please forgive my sins and help me to live for you.

Please find a Bible-believing church near you and worship with them.

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