Believe in the Lord Jesus
Jesus wisely says: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matt 16:26). I know you know this fact, but have you given serious thought to it—you will one day die. Even If you have everything in this world to enjoy (but of course you cannot), but if you do not make preparation for life after death which will last for eternity, you are not wise. Do you not agree? No one renovates a hotel because your stay in a hotel is temporal. But you will spend money to renovate your own house. Similarly, your soul lasts forever. You must ensure that your soul has an eternal home. It is pointless to enjoy the world now but lose your soul for eternity. Death can visit you anytime. You must be prepared. The true and eternal God says that you are a sinner and you will be punished for you sins in hell. But Jesus has been punished for your sins by dying on the cross. If you accept Him today, today He gives you eternal life and heaven. Then, your life and what you do—your work, recreation, duties towards those around you—on this temporal earth will be meaningful and happy because God will ensure that you enjoy an abundant life here. God will also take you to His eternal home. Truly then, you have gained everything.
Serve the Lord Faithfully
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt 6:19-20). Dear Christians, we are only sojourners. Your eternal home is in heaven. It is foolish to be rich for 100 years on earth but to be poor for 1000000000000… to eternal years in heaven. We all have different strengths and spiritual gifts. What counts is not what you do but whether or not you have made full use of whatever talent or spiritual gift and this life that God has given you. Some are gifted in preaching and teaching, some are gifted in comforting people, some are gifted in inconspicuous ways, yet others are faithful in praying for others and bearing good testimonies by living a responsible life towards his family, friends, employers and colleagues and hence attract them to Christ. These things that you do for God—these will last for eternity. If you serve God faithfully and give Him your best, you would have laid up eternal treasures for yourselves in heaven. Then when we see our Lord Jesus who always loves us, He will praise us saying: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matt 25:21).
Start the new year right with the Lord Jesus. Let Him be your Saviour, Guide, Strength and Comfort. Receive His gift—eternal life. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain because “He who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Rom 8:32). He will never withhold any good thing from you. Christians, make up your mind today that from today, you will love and serve Him faithfully. He will give you strength.