In a just a few days, the year 2014 will be over forever. A full year of 365 days has gone by. These 365 days are like 365 pieces of gold bars. No, each day is far more precious than a gold bar because each day is a day of your precious life. With every year that passes away, you are one year older, one year nearer the grave and one year less to live on earth. That is why, every day and every year is so precious.

What things did you buy using these gold bars which are 365 days of your life? Money? But money is often wasted on things that have very little value. You have saved it up in the bank for your children? But what if your children do not make good use of the money that you used your precious life to earn? Clothes? These clothes are worn today and for the next few years. After that, they are either out of fashion or thrown away. There goes your life too because you used your life to buy these clothes.

Dear All, please understand that time is too precious to be wasted. If you do not wish to waste time which is your life, you must ensure that every single day of your life is used to buy things that have real value, eternal value. What things have eternal value? Only things that are spiritual have eternal value. Jesus urges us in Matthew 6:19-20, saying, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

There are several things that you must always be pursuing and working hard at. First, you must grow spiritually. This include holiness in thought, word and habits. An increase in spirituality also includes learning to obey God even if the circumstances are difficult. Do you hate sin and the pleasures offered by sin? Your Lord and Saviour is most concerned about the kind of life that is in you. Is your spiritual life characterized by holiness, faith and a sincere love for your Lord and Saviour? Are you always grateful to your Saviour for saving you?

Second, if you love the Lord, you will be concerned with what He is concerned about. Our Lord died to save sinners. He gave His life for that. This then is what our Lord is very concerned about: the salvation of souls. Are you in great anxiety because people around you are still outside God’s kingdom? Are you praying for them regularly and trying your best to reach out to them with Jesus’ salvation?

If you have worked hard at your spiritual life, and are always seeking to save souls, you have well done. People may not have noticed your hard work. But your Lord and Saviour knows and will surely remember and reward you.

At the same time, we also recognise that we are not perfect people. In this year, we have in one way or another, at one time or another failed our Lord. But the Lord knows our weaknesses and struggles. The Lord is merciful and kind. But that does not mean He is not concerned about your failings. What he requires of you is repentance. Ask your Saviour to forgive your failings. Then make a new resolution to want to live a life that will please your Saviour and Lord in the new year of 2015. Ask the Lord for mercy. As long as the Lord gives us breath and life, next year will be a year of fruitfulness for the Lord. For those of you who have not received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, ask Jesus to be your Saviour today. Then in 2015, you can live life victoriously. Do not wait. Receive Jesus’ salvation while you have a chance, today.