Articles
HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE
"PLACES YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE" ...When young, there are many places, or experiences, we have never had. For instance, we never have graduated from high school, or gotten married. As we experience life as the years pass many places and events take place for the first time. We visit different places, and go through new experiences. Life is a journey with many twists and turns. Some people throw caution to the wind, and with reckless abandon hurl themselves into life. The outcome often is not pretty. "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool rages and is confident." (Proverbs 14:16) Many other warnings and instructions can be found in God's Word we all need to heed. A life that "fears" God, and listens to His teachings is wise indeed.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
One of life's most wonderful experiences and blessings is to have children as part of our lives. As the Scripture tells us, "they are a gift of God" (Psalm 127).
To see one's children grow and develop to adulthood, is one of life's greatest blessings. I can honestly say I have learned many of life's more important lessons from my children. God's Word tells us how important it is to raise children "in God's ways".
"And , fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up IN THE DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD." ( Ephesians 6:4)
When we are young, and even through middle age (?) we don't give much thought to death or the end of our lives here on earth. But by the time one reaches his or her later years (as I have), I think this though comes to mind much more. When we die we will all enter a place we "HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE".
God has provided a way for us to be ready for that day; Jesus and His Gospel. "And He said to them, "Go into all the world and PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL CREATION. HE WHO HAS BELIEVED AND HAS BEEN BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE WHO HAS DISBELIEVED SHALL BE CONDEMNED. " (Mark 16:15,16)
"Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge." (2 Corinthians 5:5)
"For we must ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGEMNT SEAT OF CHRIST, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to WHAT HE HAS DONE, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Life on this earth is short, and passes by quickly. As we age, we clearly see this coming about, I think you will agree. Especially those who have reached what we at times call "the golden years". If you would like a good word picture of old age, and some of the infirmities one may expect to experience, please go to the wonderful book of Ecclesiastes (Solomon), and read chapter twelve.
Notice especially the way he ends that book: "Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man".(Ecclesiastes 12:13f)
We could mention many other chapters of our lives that take us to places and events that "HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE" You can use your own imagination and thoughts to explore this subject on your own. However, let me close with this thought: "Listen to God and His Wisdom" and obey His Gospel, and live your life according to that teaching. You will not be disappointed when this life ends.
Ross
Share Online
