Just Killin’ Time

I overheard him claim to be "just killin' time," but his careless, nonchalant attitude made me wonder. How many summers must pass before he realizes that he's frittered away his youth? Could he really afford to waste yet another day in aimless drift down a river of time which he must have thought would go on forever? At my age, I should know better.

On the last day of 1810, missionary Adoniram Judson addressed this issue head-on. If his theology troubles you, set it aside for the moment, but don't ignore the intent of his words. They are a powerful reminder that "today" is the richest treasure we have, one that must not squandered by "just killin' time."

"We have a general intention of living religion; but we intend to begin tomorrow or next year. The present moment we prefer giving to the world. 'A little sleep, a little slumber.' Well, a little more sleep, and we shall sleep in the grave. A few days, and our work will be done. And when it is once done, it is done to all eternity.

"A life once spent is irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity. If it be marked with sins, the marks will be indelible. If it has been a useless life, it can never be improved. Such it will stand forever and ever.

"The same may be said of each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the marks which we put upon it, it will exhibit forever. It will never become less true that such a day was spent in such a manner. Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny. No day will lose its share of influence in determining where shall be our seat in heaven. How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! It will then be too late to mend its appearance.

"It is too late to mend the days that are past. The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. And at night let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked."

Opportunity is indeed fleeting. I encourage you -- even implore you -- to make the most of each day, to let it be marked with love and tenderness toward those who are nearest to you. You may not be afforded the chance tomorrow. Don't let the sun go down upon your wrath, and learn to overlook transgressions. Keep short accounts of offenses lest a root of bitterness spring up and defile many.

And let us each resolve, as did Adoniram Judson, to send each day -- while it is still called today -- into eternity clothed with those instances of patience, kindness, deference, love and tenderness that we would have it to wear forever.

Copyright 1999 James McAlister

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