Two VERY different ways to live

A typical life for many unbelievers

Age 1 to 10:  Jack’s parents do not love Jesus.  They are not concerned about teaching Jack to know the Lord.  They spoil him with lots of toys.  He becomes a selfish, undisciplined child.
Age 11 to 20:  Jack dresses in the latest style.  He is interested primarily in sports and girls.  He also turns his attention to money, something he will need if he will support the lifestyle he has in mind.
Age 21 to 30:  Jack starts a very successful business.  He marries Jill, the most popular cheerleader in college.  They go deeply into debt to build a beautiful house in an elite subdivision.  They drive expensive cars.
Age 31 to 40: Jack and Jill decide to have one child.  Jack’s business thrives.  Their friends are of high society.
Age 41 to 50:  Jack needs to get away from the pressures of business.  He buys a yacht.  He begins to think seriously of early retirement.  Jack Jr. is causing problems in school.  Jill is threatening to break up their marriage.  Jack’s hair is flecked with gray.
Age 51 to 60:  Jack is retired.  Jill is gone.  Jack Jr. is in prison on drug related charges.  Money is no problem.  Jack’s hair has turned gray.  There are dark circles under his eyes.
Age 61 to 70:  Jack is diagnosed with an incurable disease.  He is devastated.  A pitiful, stoop—shouldered man looks at him from the mirror.  There is not a trace of the dashing youth of half a century ago.  Where did time go?
Age 71 to 80:  Jack lies awake at night, staring wide-eyed at the black ceiling.  When will the end come?  Where will he go?  What does the future hold for one who is so old?

The other choice:

Age 1 to 10:  John’s parents love Jesus.  They are concerned about teaching John to know the Lord.  He learns the disciplines of holding still in church, sharing his toys, and doing chores.
Age 11 to 20:  John dresses simply and modestly.  He is diligent in school and an eager student of God’s Word.  He lends a steady hand to farm work.
Age 21 to 30:  John marries Jane, a godly woman who feels a strong desire to take the Gospel to a foreign culture.  They live frugally and start a family.
Age 31 to 40:  John and Jane answer the call to serve on a foreign mission.  Finances are tight.  Their friends are the poor people of another culture.
Age 41 to 50:  John sometimes feels weary in the toil of the church, but Jane encourages him at every turn. He sells some property to help a needy family.  the children love their school and fluently speak a second language.  John’s hair is flecked with gray.
Age 51 to 60:  John is tireless.  Jane is gone; cancer took her.  Money is a problem.  John’s hair has turned gray.  John Jr. is also involved in mission outreach.  Money is a problem.  John’s hair has turned gray.  There are dark circles under his eyes.
Age 61 to 70:  John is diagnosed with an incurable disease.  He is resigned.  A pitiful, stoop-shouldered man looks at him from the mirror.  There is not a trace of the strong youth of half a century ago.  Where did time go?
Age 71 to 80:  John lies awake at night, staring thoughtfully at the black ceiling.  “Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” he murmurs.  When can he go?  Oh, when will he step on the streets of Gold?
Gary Miller, Pantego, NC
Used with permission

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