Resources/Articles
No Matter What Year It Is
The year is _______. That is the way many state what took place in a certain year on a particular day in history. It is also a way some view the future. Based upon current circumstances and potential factors, some predict dramatic events will happen in 2017, 2020, or 2051.
No matter what year in the past or what year in the future, there are five certainties, which never change, regardless of the circumstance:
1. A child is born. Some people are noted for being the firstborn of the New Year, but throughout the year, children will enter this world. It is a world where “the god of this world” is attempting to blind the minds of the unbelieving (2 Corinthians 4:4). The hope is that with each year we grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52), and not be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).
2. Every man ages. No one decreases in age or becomes younger. You may change your hairstyle or use some type of facial cream to make yourself look younger, but the fact remains: Everyone grows older. Seek to be “a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
3. There will be sin. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:9). With each passing year, sin is admitted less and less. Not many feel guilty about what they believe, how they act, or what they say. It is often someone else’s fault anyway. The problem many have is a syndrome, disease, sickness, chronic malady, deficiency, or dysfunction. Never is it described as sin. James 1:14,15 should be the first test you take before letting the world examine your trouble. Sin does not have to exist (1 John 2:1,2). There is an avenue of removal of the sin. Seek the Great Physician for help (Matthew 9:10-13).
4. There will be death. It is an appointment (Hebrews 9:27). The exact day is unknown, but it is coming. The time draws near. Preparation for that time needs to be given daily attention. Be the person whose life meditates on God, his law, and his kingdom (Psalm 1). Fight every day with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). Serve God with readiness for your time to depart (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
5. We are all accountable to God. God gave us one responsibility. “This is the end of the matter: all hath been heard; fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Although, you may feel as though you are not accountable to anyone, no one will be excused from giving account of himself to God (Romans 14:12). Every word and every deed matters (2 Corinthians 5:10).
