by Chris Steele

What welcomed weather we have had for a few days this past week! The chilly nights remind us that fall is here and winter is on its way. Although we do not see the real drastic changes in our Florida climate, as other parts of the country, but there still may be certain things that need to be done before that cooler weather sets in. Too often we are scrambling to cover plants or bring them onto the porch whenever cold or frost approaches.

When Paul was in prison, near the end of his life, he wrote to Timothy. He asked the young preacher to visit them. But “...do thy diligence to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). There was a sense of urgency in Paul’s words. In Bible times, once winter set in it would be very dangerous and maybe impossible to sail the troubled Mediterranean Sea. If Timothy didn’t hurry on to Rome, he may not have arrived in time to be of any benefit to Paul in his last days on this earth.

In our Christian travels there is always a sense of urgency. Our days are numbered and we only have a short time here on earth (Psalms 89:48; 90:10; James 4:14). Our fellow human beings who are not Christians, don’t have any more time than we do. So what we do each and every day, is to remember that the end is approaching.

When opportunity knocks, we must do what we can. It may never pass this way again. Say what needs to be said in the way we should say it. We may not have a chance to help a person by words that need to be spoken. Don’t harbor any offense or grudge. We may not have the time to correct them before it’s too late. Jesus said, we need to work while it is day, because when the night comes no one can work (John 9:4).

No one can borrow from the future. No matter how close tomorrow may be, it is still beyond our reach. All that we have, is today. Opportunity is knocking right now. If we don’t grab for it, it will soon be gone. If we are steadfast in our work and fruitful in our everyday lives, then we can join with Paul in saying, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:7,8).