"And He (Jesus) said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 18:3
When you look back on your life, is there anything you'd like to change?
That was the question asked in a survey a number of years ago. The only thing special about the survey was the question was asked only to people who had celebrated their 95th birthday.
It was an open-ended question.
It could be answered any way they wished.
No religion was connected with it and there was no anticipated response -- just the question: Is there anything you'd like to change about your life?
Of all the different responses which came back, there were three appearing with great regularity.
Those three were
1. I would reflect more (the most popular answers);
2. I would risk more;
3. I would do more things which would live on after I'm dead.
Most of us are not yet 95 years old.
Even so, I wonder how would you answer that question? What would you change? In truth, I think these golden-agers have a handle on a proper response. I should reflect more. More specifically, I should reflect more about how great a sacrifice was made by the Savior in saving me from myself, death, and the devil.
I know I ought to risk more for the things which are really important. After all, there are billions of people right now who don't know the Savior. What can I do to reach a few of them?
And lastly, I should do more things which will be of lasting value after I've breathed my last. What can I do so those who come after me may know the wonders of the Lord's love?
I guess I ought to thank those old folks. They've given us some good ideas. Now if we can only try out those ideas before we hit 95!
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, every year, ever week, every minute is a precious gift from You. Help Your people to make the best use of the time You have entrusted to them. Help us, whenever possible, to share the Savior's story of salvation with whomever possible. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 22 Joel 1 2 Corinthians 9
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