There is a story found in “The Hobbit” about when the little hobbit Bilbo and his dwarf companions are captured by some dim witted trolls named Bert, Tom and William. They find themselves aurguing all night about how best to eat their captives instead of eating them.

Obviously, I would not liken ourselves to dim witted trolls! However, it is strangely similar how that we lose thought of the soon approaching dawn and in danger of being caught unaware. In the story, the trolls fought and argued among themselves all the while forgetting that time was running out for them. As the dawn rose over the horizon they were immediately turned into stone figures.

The truth is we often fall into the same trap. We lose our sense of direction and purpose. Is it possible for us to get so sidetracked in our minds that the most important elements in life are pushed aside for whatever may be interesting. Our attention span has sadly diminished over the years. Many Christians find it hard to concentrate on anything that lasts longer than 30 minutes without commercials. Dealing with life and Christian maturity takes attention and effort. If you cannot stay on target and allow the Spirit to continually transform your life, the effect will be a shallow spiritual walk with much carnal behavior. Although a life can be sustained like this without too much apparent ill effect, the real test of this pathetic excuse for spiritual dedication will be known when the Lord Jesus returns in the Rapture of the Saints. Now that will be a sunrise we need to be ready for!

Jesus said that many would be caught by surprise when He returns as a thief in the night. No warning, no preparation, just the immediate light of His divine presence! Let it not be said of us that we played with our lives and time while neglecting the great opportunities that God has given to us!

So I say to you today, your life and all your days will be the only gift you can give to God. It is up to you to determine if that gift is worth anything!