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Bible, business, career, cares of this life, decision, drinking, drunk, eternal life, excess, foolish, God, Jesus, Job, overdoing it, Prophecy, sin, sober, solutions, time running out, too much, wine, wise, work
These days, many of us find ourselves busy. Being busy is not a bad thing, its a good thing. It is good to keep oneself occupied doing productive things. How many of us though have not been able to do a few things we’ve wanted to because were were “too busy” however. While it is good to be busy, is it possible that it can be overdone?
Of course it is good to leave time also for family, for rest, a social life in itself even is good. While good, those are not the things I would like to focus on. What if there was something more important that we are neglecting? What if there is something that even Christians are losing site of in their list of priorities? The solemn prophetic declaration is made concerning our day.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. – Luke 21:34 KJV
This verse begins with the words “and take heed”. That is like saying, listen carefully, or pay attention, because its going to be something you will soon deal with. Its to say this will happen, be careful, or take caution. I then need to make the reminder that this is important.
There are three things here which we are cautioned of:
- Surfeiting
- Becoming drunk
- The cares of this life
Surfeiting
sur·feit
So, bringing something to a state of too much? The warning against this is made.
Drunk
When one is drunk, everyone knows, or should know that clear decisions are not able to be made. When facing important, critical situations in life, we are to be sober, and choose wisely, not foolishly.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. – Proverbs 31:4-5 KJV
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. – 1 Peter 4:7 KJV
This is serious. Back in our first verse we used, we saw the term “that day”. And what day might this be, that comes upon us unaware? We’ll get to that in a bit, but we do have a hint now with this last text we’ve used when it says “the end of all things”. If we are in the time of the end, and we are (view this post: At the tips of the toes), then I must recommend we study the 3 angels messages. About becoming drunk, please also refer to this blog I wrote concerning the Second Angel’s Message.
Cares of this life
merimna: care, anxiety
This is what the word means that is used for “care”. It comes from Merimna. This is not a bad thing, in itself.
biótikos: pertaining to life
This is what is used in place of cares of this life. Again, not anything bad, but what if it takes first place? What if we become absorbed by it, and spend our time and energy in excess, as we’ve seen the definition to be? Then we are in danger of sinning, for it is written:
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. – Exodus 20:3 KJV
This is not limited to little golden or stone or wooden statutes. This is in reference to anything that may to us, take first place in our lives, before God. Be careful of this, as it is a sin. Remember, caring for things in your life and being responsible is one thing. Having no time because it takes all or most your time is another, especially lest that day come upon you unawares.
Are we ready for Jesus to return? Remember, He came to save us FROM sin, not IN sin. See Matthew 1:21. If we are distracted, we are not preparing. If we are not preparing, then maybe we’re not ready. If we’re not ready, then we are lost.
In a parable, referring to some of those who would hear and even receive the gospel, Jesus says these words.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. – Luke 8:14 KJV
I truly hope we are not in the thorns, and caught up with the things of this world and life, so that we will disconnect from Jesus, and bear no fruit.
Friends, lets keep our priorities straight. God comes first, a relationship with Him that comes through prayer and Bible study. You know, if you have a good relationship with someone, naturally, what you want to do is share them with others. Tell others about this person you have such a great, positive relationship with. Lets pray, study our Bibles, and share God with others so that we may get everyone ready to make wise decisions concerning not the cares of this life, but eternal life.
