Time is short

To the occupations of the world. It is right for Christians to be diligent in business. I often wonder how unconverted souls can be so busy; how, when you are bustling along, filling up all your time with worldly things, it never occurs to you that there will be none of this in eternity. How can I be so busy for my body, when my poor soul is unprovided for? But those in Christ may well be diligent. (1.) They have good conscience; that oils the wheels. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." A light heart makes easy work. (2.) They love to honor their Lord. They would not have it said that a believer in Jesus was an idler or a sluggard; the love of Jesus constrains them to all that is lovely. And yet a believer should buy as though he possessed not;" for " the time is short." Oh! believers, ye cannot be misers; for you are but stewards. All that you possess here is your Lord's; and the day is at hand when he will transfer you to take care of another property in a brighter land. You are but servants. It would not do if you were to set your hearts on the things of this lower room; for in a few days the Master is to call you to serve in his own dear presence. Dear believers, be ready to leave your loom for the golden harp, at a minute's warning; be ready to leave your desk for the throne of Jesus; your pen for the palm of victory; be ready to leave the market below, for the street of the new Jerusalem, where the redeemed shall walk. If you were in a sinking ship, you would not cling hard to bags of money; you would sit loose to all, and be ready to swim. This world is like a sinking ship, and those who grasp at its possessions will sink with it. Oh !" buy as though you possessed not;" for "the time is short."

Robert Murry M'cheyne