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By Dean Kelly

Minister, Highland Home Church of Christ

I was driving home to Highland Home on 331 near Hyundai Boulevard when suddenly I heard a sound and felt a bump. I realized that the car to my left had bumped me. Fortunately, he had pulled back over as soon as he realized he had hit me.  

We pulled off to the side of the road. He was very apologetic, saying he just did not realize I was there when he pulled over. He had been to get his wife from Birmingham, and they had picked up chicken, and were headed home to Luverne. It wound up not being any major damage.

What passed through my mind as this little bump happened is how suddenly and unexpectedly it happened. James writes that our life is “but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Every heartbeat, every step, every breath has the potential to be the last one.

While all of that is sobering, the fact is that what really matters is if we are ready when that last moment of this earthly journey comes. Look at the attitude of the Apostle Paul: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24). 

If we will come to the foot of the cross in faithful obedience we will belong to Jesus, and death will not be something to be feared. 

Drive carefully, watch your steps, live your life fully in Jesus. But, be prepared for eternity.