My dad’s real name is James Julius Wilson Colonel Charles Augustus Lindbergh Wrencher – It was shortened to Charles Lindbergh Wrencher to get it on the birth certificate. I guess it was so long because many people wanted to help name children in those days; long names were not uncommon. But it doesn’t matter how long or what our name is. What matters is how we live the life we are given, before it’s over.
Romans 12: 1-2 reads, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, a I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
I can probably speak for almost everyone here when I say, we like our cell phones; we like getting our hair, tats, and nails done; we like our TV; we like our sports and teams; we like people in our comfort zones; etc. But too much of that worldly stuff, and not enough of God is idolatry. We are copying the behavior and customs of the world. We are not truly worshipping Him. We are not letting Him transform us.
When our time is up, we can’t go back and make things right. When our time is up, I pray our transformation into a new person is complete. When our time is up, I hope we have lived out God’s pleasing and perfect will for our life.
Verse 3 of Romans 12 goes on to say, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
Far too many people look down on those who are not as well off as themselves. They don’t want people of economic, social and demographic differences living in their neighborhoods, or don’t want their kids playing together. Well, they do it at school; they shop at the same stores, and if you don’t know them personally, one may be sitting next to you in church.
Let me state this as plainly as I can. There ain’t none of us, any better than anybody else. We are all the same in God’s eyes and we will share the same Heaven. The bible says God has no favorites. And when our time is up, we won’t be able to reevaluate who we really are; or treat our neighbor as yourself.
Verse 6 states, “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”
That gift may be prophesy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving (yes giving is a gift), leadership, kindness to others, etc. Whatever gift we are blessed with, weare to do it to the best of your ability. Not to do so is SIN. Just think of how much the world could change for good, if all of us would use our gift as God intended. We want to blame the president, congress, state and local politicians. But we all have a part in it, because we choose to, or choose not to use our gifts. Just imagine serving others with the love of God; teaching others with the love of God; leading, encouraging, and being kind to others with the love of God. Oh what a world this would be.
But when our time is up, we ain’t gonna do none of that. We won’t be able to look to the hills anymore, or call upon the Lord. We ain’t gonna be able to do nothing!
Verses 9 – 13 expounds on love and how to live. “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
If only, we would live and love this way. But when our time is up, it will be too late show that genuine love and affection; too late to show how enthusiastic you are about serving God; too late to pray; too late to help others; and way too late to be hospitable.
The rest of the chapter talks about how to treat people. “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that YOU can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Now talk about doing to others as we would have them do unto you. God have given us so many opportunities to get it right. And He is still being patient, in hope that everyone will repent. When our time is up, what will the angels those who have gone before us say about you?
Luke chapter 16:19-31 which reads, Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Max Lucado wrote in his book, ‘You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Turbulent Times,’ “Goodbye. No one wants to say it. And death is the most difficult good-bye of all. After our church had five funerals in seven days, the sorrow took its toll on me. I chided myself, “Come on, Max, get over it. Death is a natural part of living.” Then I self-corrected. No it isn’t. Birth is; breathing is; belly laughs; big hugs and bedtime kisses are. But death? We weren’t made to say good-bye. God’s original plan had no farewell, no final breath, day, or heartbeat.
No matter how we frame it, good-bye doesn’t feel right. But God has served notice. All farewells are on the clock. He has decreed a family reunion. And what a reunion it will be. Revelation 21:4 says on that day, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” This long journey will come to an end. We’ll see Him, and we’ll see them. Isn’t this our hope?”
Isn’t it our hope too? I hope it is because, when our time is up, our time is up. Don’t be like the rich man. Don’t be like the hardhearted. When our time is up whatever our lot, I hope He’s taught us to say, it is well; it is well with our soul. When our time is up, it will be too late, to turn back now.
Let's Change the World Together 
Thanks you so much sis.
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