Friday, May 20, 2011

so what would you be doing

A headline in today's newspaper simply asked "If you knew the world was ending tomorrow, what would you do?". Supposedly another apocalyptic group thinks the world will end tomorrow, which if true will play havoc with my romantic intentions for the weekend, not too mention my retirement plans.
I really have no idea how these folks come up with this stuff. End of the World. Doomsday. Armageddon. The Rapture. Judgement Day. whatever. I guess it makes good headlines and gives people something to think about. Their mortality.
Sure, the possibility exists that it could all come to a halt tomorrow, and with my luck I'll probably be standing is some check out line that has the little flashing light on waiting for a supervisor... well you know what I mean. Or it could happen before I finish this senten.... (LOL)
You just never know. And know one else does either. Since the days of Jesus somebody has been thinking the end of the world is near. The disciples thought they would see it before they passed away. Didn't happen. People thought that the Civil War, The Great Depression, WWI and II and Hitler and whatever else was the end of the world. Nope, still here folks.
and its doubtful it will all come to a halt tomorrow either. so if your mortgage payment is due Monday, I would suggest mailing it off today.
So back to the headline. What would you be doing if this were the last day? My hope is that if you are a christian, that you would be doing whatever it is that you are doing at this exact moment. Or any moment. Every moment.
Loving others. Being a plus positive in this world. Making a difference. I hope that your answer is nothing out of the ordinary because it was ordinary people that Jesus asked to follow him. Nothing special was required.
Its like the parable of the 10 virgins and the lamps, we should always live as if the return of Jesus was imminent. Not in fear, but in anticipation. And not idly or passively awaiting either, but in serving. In being in relationship with one another.
I don't know if it will happen today or tomorrow or my lifetime or a thousand years or a million years from now, and frankly I don't care one way or another.
Jesus said only the father knows the day and time, so who am I to worry about it.
So what would I be doing? Exactly this.
Enjoy. ~npp

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more.

robyn said...

Love what you said and totally agree. If there is something that we would do if we knew this was our last hours on earth, why are we not doing it already? Even if the world continues another million years, we are not promised tomorrow. I could die as I type this sentence. Only God knows the day and time we will be called home and we should be living in expectation of His return. If we truly believe God's Word, it's not a matter of "if" but of "when." I know I am commanded to love others and to go out and make disciples. What would my life mean if I waited to do that the day before I thought the world was about to end? I pray each day to somehow give glory to God in this life He gave me by the choices I make, the words I speak to others, even in my thoughts. I think we should live each day as though it is our last, and go about doing God's work as we influence those God has put around us.

Melissa said...

Completely agree! This is what motivates us to live good Christ-like lives.. because then, so what if it's tomorrow? We know we have lived a righteous and loving life. And isn't that all that matters?

Great post!

Nellie Dee said...

AMEN. We do know the signs of the times and that they are "at hand" as the Bible says, but only the Father knows exactly when.
Good post. Thanks.

Jackie said...

I liked your piece, and actually I think you're right. Every day we should think about the possibility of this day being our last. And yes, I doubt that predicting the exact date of the end of the world is within the scope of man's intellect........