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Tick-tock, Tick-tock:  Why Don’t We Care?

Hebrews 3:15 “As has just been said: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

For many years, I’ve been conscious of the relentless tick-tock of the clock. No matter how much I might yearn for it to halt, time is an unstoppable force. With every word I write, I draw closer to my final moments in this life, each one measured by the steady rhythm of time, tick-tock.

There have been moments when I’ve wished for the tick-tocks to speed up, like eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival, the end of a tedious school term, or anxiously awaiting a diagnosis. However, the steady beat of the clock remains, each tick followed faithfully by its tock.

Conversely, there are occasions when I’ve longed for time to slow down. Whether it’s the bittersweet end of a blissful summer vacation, the somber moments spent beside a dying family member, or witnessing the rapid growth of grandchildren, time seems to march on relentlessly, despite my desires for it to pause. Tick-tock

Then there are those rare, cherished moments when I wish time would simply stand still. Whether it’s the joyous celebration of a marriage, the arrival of a new child, or a profoundly beautiful expression of love, these are the moments where time seems to suspend its relentless ticking, if only momentarily, before continuing on its inevitable course. Tick-tock

Tick-tock Tick-tock  – they just happen.

As I became older, I’ve come to a stark realization: my past experiences outweigh the time I have left. This insight has fueled my determination to embrace each day fully, a resolve to seize every moment.

However, what truly weighs on my heart and mind is the apparent indifference of many, if not most, of the people I encounter towards the significance of our temporal existence and the implications for eternity. Recently, I had a conversation with a friend whose beliefs have been evolving. I admire his willingness to ponder life’s purpose and the best way to navigate it. Unfortunately, from my perspective, he no longer believes in the conventional Christian notion of Heaven or Hell. He raises a poignant question: “If these realms truly existed, wouldn’t it impact how Christians engage with the world around them? Shouldn’t they struggle with everyday activities knowing that many aren’t on the path to salvation?” Though his tone may be tinged with exaggeration or sarcasm, his point resonates, prompting introspection.

For years, I’ve earnestly sought to understand and embody the essence of God, endeavoring to extend love and compassion to all. However, my journey has been a mix of exhilarating triumphs and disheartening setbacks.

Painting with a broad paint brush, NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE.

There are those who genuinely harbor doubts and are willing to engage in dialogue, and then there are many who use disbelief as a defensive barrier, erecting walls around themselves. Additionally, there are individuals who deeply yearn for a connection with God, willingly surrendering their lives to His purpose, actively seeking to share their experiences of God with others.

However, the majority fall into two distinct categories:

  1. Some profess belief in God, acknowledging His existence and His promises, yet lack the motivation or inclination to actively invest time in cultivating a meaningful relationship with Him. Despite the allure of a life intimately connected with the Creator of the Universe, their response often oscillates between a mere nod, excuses, or indifference. They may attend church out of habit, but genuine engagement with God remains elusive. The question remains: Why this indifference?
  2. Then there are those who live their lives in ignorance or lack curiosity about the deeper questions of existence and purpose. This apathy towards life’s fundamental inquiries is perplexing.

It’s confounding to witness the prevailing state of the world – rife with confusion, pain, loneliness, suffering, and injustice – yet observe a pervasive sense of complacency or resignation among many. Instead of embracing life fully, they settle for mere survival, missing out on its richness.

What if there exists a pathway to truly live life to its fullest? What if there’s a way to uncover life’s purpose and connect with its Creator? One would expect such an invitation to be universally appealing.

Consider this: You could take my word for it – that God indeed exists, He is knowable, and He offers a pathway to eternal life through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He yearns for a loving, intimate relationship with you.

Alternatively, you could dismiss the offer with a casual “No thanks.”

Give this some thought?  What’s your response?  What about you? What about you?

The incessant ticking of the clock serves as a reminder – time is fleeting, urging us to contemplate our choices.

Tick-tock Tick-tock Tick-tock

 

3 Comments

  • Frank Buglino says:

    Tom. You have been gifted with a way to pen words. So spot on !

  • Frank Buglino says:

    Tom. You have been gifted with a way to pen words. So spot on !

  • kevin says:

    That was one of your most clever, well-written and compelling Running Thoughts ever.
    I hope people listen, and Spring ahead….