By: Curtis Evelo | January 21, 2024
The start of the new year had me reflecting on a lot of things. I’m sure many people did as well. I’m also sure many reflected on business, health, personal goals, personal relationships, maybe a Bible reading plan or a plan to be more active in your community. Like me, some look at their goals for last year and see some were accomplished completely, some partially, and some not so much.
Forever in Our Hearts
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Eccl 3:11, ESV).
In this verse is a statement that is so powerful, yet we forget it or even completely put it to the side in our day-to-day actions. I noticed something though this New Year season as I observed people and as I engaged with conversations. Some people stated their memories of this season, and some mentioned the accomplished goals and how they feel because of those accomplishments. But one thing as I observed in the conversations is not a single person mentioned the growing number every calendar year. Not a single person looks at that calendar year date and says, “Oh look, another year has been added to my life!” No one I have come across believes that it’s a benefit as the years keep adding up.
Time Is Opportunity
We as humans have an innate understanding that time is running down. Believers and non-Believers alike all recognize that there is an end looming at some point in life. We hear things like “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) or “Take the chance while you’re young,” and to the ears of everyone we hear the tick of a time clock. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 it is written that we all have eternity written internally and by observing people it appears to be evident in everyone.
We have a tremendous opportunity to discuss why people think that time is running down. Opportunities that can help someone see that we have been designed for an eternal relationship with our Creator who has built us in such a way that we all have this desire. This year take some internal bold steps and prepare yourself for conversations with people. As believers we have been given the charge by Jesus to go and make disciples. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:19-20).
About the Author
Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. He is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church, Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country. Curtis serves as an Assistant Vice President of Broadcasting at Bellator Christi Ministries, a contributor, and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. His research interests include Jewish studies in the New Testament, Old Testament typologies, and studies on free will.
