ADOLESCENCE is a hard time to obey God. Many "youthful lusts" are presenting themselves to minds, which are just beginning to discern between good and evil. Immaturity and the "sowing of wild oats" make faithfulness a difficult goal.
LATE TEENAGE YEARS are a hard time to obey God. These young people will soon face the world on their own for the first time. Their sense of responsibility will be taxed greatly with the challenges of college life or new jobs that will present a host of diversions from a course of service to God.
EARLY ADULTHOOD is a hard time to obey God. Marriage becomes a likely prospect for most in this age group and proves to be a relationship demanding much of each partner. Getting established in the business world will steal the time and attention of many. Such new requirements of one's life will hardly make allowing time for God an easy task.
PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN have a difficult time obeying God. It is so very hard for a new mother or father with restless little ones to give full attention to a worship service. The feelings of being a distraction to others makes some embarrassed to attend. And too, the hassle one must go through to get children who are sleepy, fussy, or messy ready to go to church seems hardly worth the effort.
MIDDLE AGE is a hard time to obey God. Often both husband and wife are involved in jobs that are tiring. Weekends are about the only time families have to go places together. Oh yes, you worry about the kids' lack of interest in spiritual values, but then again you hate to force going to church on them. And to be honest, there are so many activities going on, it leaves you with little time for involvement with the local church.
RETIREMENT YEARS are a hard time to obey God. For the first time, couples have a chance to do all that camping, fishing and traveling they've always wanted to do. Naturally, they love to go visit those precious grandchildren. Friends and relatives will be coming in on weekend visits hindering church attendance (after all, you can't just leave company at home, can you?).
OLD AGE is a hard time to obey God. You're sick more and become tired much easier. For the first time in your life the fellowship of other Christians and preparing for eternity became very relevant topics, but your physical infirmities hinder your ability to be active in the kingdom.
THEN FINALLY COMES THAT PERFECT DAY to obey God. You get all dressed up. A crowd full of friends and loved ones assemble. And you are there at a spot right near the front. The preacher rises to speak from God's Word. THERE IS ONLY ONE PROBLEM --- the preacher is there to preach your funeral, the crowd is there to mourn your death, and your body lies in a coffin. Here is one assembly which all of us will "have time" to keep.
THE MORAL: THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME TO OBEY GOD. One will never see a time when all hindrances are removed -- Satan has seen to that, Whether it is obeying the gospel, living a godly life, teaching others or assembling with the saints to worship, we will always face certain obstacles. Therefore, we must have enough conviction to serve in spite of the hindrances.
"...LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith," (Hebrews 12:1-2). -- Pat Jones
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Page last updated: March 03, 2003