We all know that one day we will leave this life on earth. We all know that we are only living in a temporary tent-dwelling of which the pegs will one day be pulled up for everyone, and that we will move to a more permanent place. 

When you’re young, when you study, and later get a job, this thought is far away. When you start having children, you don’t even want to think about it, and when you reach middle age, you just get upset with the person who asks you if you have a will. 

Perhaps it’s only when we recognize the limitations of our bodies, a severe contrast to the capabilities of our youth, that we truly contemplate our mortality.  

Sometimes this moment arrives earlier when you’re sitting with the doctor, and he gives you the news that your due date has arrived. We all carry an expiry date sticker, like the date stamp on a jug of milk that indicates when it should be sold and when it can no longer be used. 

When the doctor draws attention to the sticker on our bodies, covered in thick dust, and the date becomes visible, we’re forced to stop. Then our world falls to pieces. You’re never prepared for this. 

And no, I don’t think we should all sit down in sackcloth and ashes and constantly wonder whether tomorrow is our due date. We should rather 7Stay wide-awake in prayer. 

I suspect the vital word is balance. We need to know about our expiry date. Everyone has such a sticker. At some point, the date will no longer be in the future. Still, it mustn’t slow us down. 

Instead, we should use the energy of knowing about the sticker to make sure that we’re ready. This reminds me of my army days when it was drilled into us to be alert and ready all the time, for whatever life throws your way. 

We must make sure that our thinking is healthy and pursue the right things as the Word prescribes. God has given us all common sense to be used in every situation. 

Take the wheel of your life. Don’t let circumstances or others dictate your course. Make sure your life is on the right track, as God’s Word guides us. 

Talk to God in prayer. Make Him part of your life and allow Him to guide you, through the action of the Holy Spirit, to act within the will of God in all situations. Be mindful of the needs of others and strive to make a positive difference in their lives. 

Be prepared. Be ready. Live a life led by the Spirit and make sure that you are never out of control. This way, you will be ready to move on when your date arrives. 

Scripture
1 Peter 4:7-11 

Reflection
What if your due date is tomorrow?
Are you prepared?
Are you ready? 

Prayer
Father, I must confess that I’m not ready yet. Actually, I’m afraid. Please let Your Spirit stir in me so that I don’t have to be afraid of when my expiry date here on earth arrives. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.