Earlier this month I was at the beach with my son and his family and friends, and my 3 year old grandson was my big joy and delight. One adult friend asked my grandson to do something (I forgot exactly what he asked), and my grandson kept on walking and didn't miss a beat and said, "Not right now" as he continued about, in his 3 year-old way, his important business. My grandmother's heart thought that was the cutest thing ever! Naturally, he had heard his parents say that and understood exactly what it meant.
After later sharing this amusing and precious moment with others, I began to consider the words "not right now" in a more serious and profound way.
How many Christians have felt the call of God to serve as a missionary and have said instead, "Not right now."
How many have felt the urge to help a homeless person, but were intent on their business and thought, "Not right now."
How many were prompted by the Holy Spirit to witness about Jesus but, for one reason or another, decided "Not right now."
I could continue on and on, but you see where I am leading us to. Most of our ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit is due to selfishness (maybe of not having enough time to spare to act, for example) and just generally self-love where we think only of our own needs and not the needs of others.
See the lighthouse on that 600 foot sea cliff in the above photo of mine? I have walked the 2 mile trail up to that Makapu'u lighthouse on the southeastern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It took a bit of effort, being a grandma, but once at the top the view below was breathtaking and you could see such a beautiful shoreline and the mountains all around.
Jesus has been compared to a lighthouse. His life and words and example have been a "light" to many. It takes effort to stay in His light; being guided by His loving Spirit to put Him first in our lives.
And to obey Him and keep His commandments.
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12
The hymn, "The Lighthouse," seems fitting to include here now:
Are you walking in darkness now? Have you heard the gospel and know you need Jesus, but you keep saying, "Not right now."? May I remind you that tomorrow may be too late ! You might die before tomorrow arrives, and then where will you spend eternity without Jesus? Jesus could return the next minute to rapture true believers to heaven to be with Him......where will you be when the 7-year Tribulation begins if you have not previously accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and Master?
One may be so involved in the pleasures and lusts of this world, that they say "Not right now" to surrendering their lives to Jesus. They love the world too much. Here is another reminder:
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." - James 4:4
And another reminder:
"(15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lusts thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:15-17
Many people are enjoying their sinful life in this evil world and do not want to think about giving it all up. Part of it is their own sinful will, and part of it the influence of the devil, who is the god of this world.
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4
Please, if you have not done so, accept Jesus as your Savior and put your faith in Him so that you may have eternal life in glory with Him. Do not continue to say, "Not right now" !
Jesus' return is imminent... it could occur at any time.
Be ready.
Be like the true believers spoken of in Philippians 2:15 :
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
