Mid-Week Message - Something to Ponder

Returning from a trip into town this morning, Jesse and I passed the scene of a horrible accident.  On one side of the road sat what remained of a small silver car.  I later found out that it was the only vehicle involved and must have been traveling at a high rate of speed.  I have yet to hear whether the driver and any possible passengers survived but, from what I saw, it would have been a miracle.  

Each day that we are fortunate enough to wake up is a gift.  We never know if we will make it through that day alive.  I'm sure this driver had a typical morning that involved all the usual aspects of getting ready for the day.  He or she may have children who needed to get to school and/or a job to get to.  Whatever their plans for the day I'm sure they expected to be home tonight.  No, I don't know for sure that a death occurred.  I do know that this event altered the plans of the day and possibly much, much more.  

This all has me thinking of last moments.  Jesus's last moments were filled with forgiveness for those who were putting Him to death, and for us.  His words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" referred to his tormentors at the cross because they did not understand that He was the Son of God, the long-awaited Savior.  I think they also apply to each of us as well because we often wander through our days with no thought whatsoever about how our actions or reactions are effecting ourselves or others.  

God's Word gives us guidance regarding how we should conduct ourselves.  Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Grace is an attribute of the Lord that He wants us to extend to others.  If we think before we speak then we stand a better chance of using kindness and encouragement rather than saying something that we might regret later.  As far as our actions are concerned, Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." This speaks to the work we do for others, but because we represent Jesus it also applies to every action in our lives.  If we do all things as if He is right beside us (He is!) then we will be much more mindful of what we do and how we do it.  

I spend time each day on a social media site.  One thing that has always bothered me deeply is seeing one posting by a friend referencing their love and gratitude to the Lord then down the page finding another posting from the same person with pictures or words that abase Him or others.  And I find myself wondering what image they would like to be remembered for.  Because we cannot see past the moment we are currently in, each word or action could be our last.  Just something to ponder.