Learning from the Wise

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

Jonathan Edwards, the great theologian used mightily by God in the First Great Awakening, understood what it meant to live with eternity in mind. As a young man, he developed what he called "70 Resolutions" - principles he committed to reading once a week to maintain a disciplined life for God.

One resolution declared: "Resolved, never to do anything that I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life." Another: "Resolved that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die." And this powerful one: "Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if I expected that it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump."

Edwards also resolved: "I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live if they were to live their lives over again. Resolved that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age." He refused to reach the end of his life with regrets.

When scoffers came along saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? You've been saying this forever" (see 2 Peter 3:4), Peter clarified in his second letter that God's timing is different from ours. "A day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day with the Lord" (see 2 Peter 3:8). God has delayed His coming because He wants as many people as possible to receive Him. He's "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

But make no mistake - "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" (2 Peter 3:10). A thief doesn't announce his arrival. Jesus' return will be sudden and unexpected. So we must be ready.

Stephen Covey, in "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," identified one crucial habit: "Begin with the end in mind." He encouraged people to picture themselves at the end of their lives, looking back. What if your older self could speak to you right now? What would he or she say? "Don't do that. Do this. Live your life with purpose so you won't have regrets."

When you attend a funeral or celebration of life, you hear words about that loved one, and you may think: "What would be said about me?" Live your life in such a way that you'd be happy to hear what others would say.

Reflection Question: What "resolution" would you write for yourself today about how you want to live in light of eternity?

Lord, thank You for Your patience and longsuffering toward me. I want to live with such purpose that I won't be afraid when You come or when my time on earth ends. Give me wisdom to begin with the end in mind and live without regrets. Help me to be ready for Your return. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "On the Edge of Eternity" (1 Peter 4:7-11): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/cx4wgnb/20-on-the-edge-of-eternity-1-peter-4-7-11