Parson to Person

101 THINGS TO DO

William Andrew Dillard

On a recent trip, the two hours difference between Central and Pacific time found me up at about 5:30 as usual. The only trouble: it was only 3:30 local time. Retreating to the small lobby of the quaint Hotel in historic Groveland, CA, I saw a commercial paper on the coffee table entitled 101 THINGS TO DO IN THE YOSEMITE AREA. I read many of them with interest, but failed to notice any reference to spiritual activities. Of course, that precipitated paper and pen.

Now in the life of most Americans, one may feel as though there are 1,001 things to do. Similarly few, if any, of these may include spiritual activities. Does this not underscore a terribly skewed lifestyle? Inasmuch as one’s approximate “Threescore and ten” years on this terrestrial ball, compared to the endless ages to live beyond this brief journey, does it not make much more sense to live in continued preparation for that which is to come?

Certainly, one cannot escape many mundane demands in life, but to live as though this world were all there is to life is to play the role of a fool . . . who says in his heart, “There is no God; hence, no accountability to a higher power.” This is the ultimate folly of men reputed to be educated, and intelligent. Could it be that some are educated beyond their intelligence??
Solomon, the wisest man to walk these paths of life left no little information about what men should be pursuing in the brevity of their days. At the end of his writing in Ecclesiastes, he pungently summarized, “Let us hear the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecc. 12:13.

Common observation produces evidence that most men are therein derelict in their duty, not understanding that they will live for millions of timeless years regretting it. So, 101 things to do, or 1,001 things to do, wisdom says: prioritize and see to it that personal repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is number ONE! Then living in discipleship to the Savior is to follow consistently. Whatever else is left to do is of little consequence in the scheme of things. Doubtless, you, dear reader, have many things to do. What is your priority? Remember, you and I really are on this planet for specific purposes. I am going to hear and heed the wisdom of Solomon. Here is hoping you will, too!