Tempus fugit” is Latin for “Time flies.” The older we get, the faster time seems to pass. I remember realizing the rapidity of time when I was 21 years old. and that has now only been almost 58 years ago.

Like most young men, I was proud, arrogant, and foolish. Fortunately, time mellows us and we sometimes become less proud and foolish. I prayed for wisdom when I was 18, but I see today that I have never been very wise. Besides, no wise person ever thinks himself wise.

Someone once said, “Time is a thief.” If you do not believe this, compare your current appearance with that of a photograph of yourself taken when you were young. Compare your physical strength with what it was years ago. However, time does compensate us in some ways. It gives us the perspective to see things more clearly in terms of how important or unimportant things on Earth are.

When young, many people dream of acquiring wealth, land, or big houses. But past age 65 or 70, one begins to realize that he will not own anything in a few more years, due to his death. My wife and I are past 70 and now realize the importance of living not far from the emergency room and hospital. Sadly, most young people do not actually realize how soon they, too, will be old, God willing.

I often preach, “You don’t have to be old to die.” Proverbs 21:1 warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Another great verse is found in Hebrews 9:17, which tells us, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” This verse alone conveys a lot of wisdom to all who are willing to think. For example, it reveals that this life on earth is our only opportunity to prepare for eternity. “But after this the judgment” means that judgment will surely come after we die. There will be no other opportunity to qualify for Heaven.

And the only way to ever see Heaven is by becoming born again, by becoming a Christian in other words. One can only do this by repenting and trusting Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Before the age of 18, I gave death and judgment little thought. Like most youth, I fully expected to live a long life. Old age was just too far away to even think about. But time indeed flies. Before I knew it, I was 30 and then 40. Today I am 78. and I thank God for it every single day.

I think the most important thing I have learned in life is that Jesus Christ saves all who call on Him. The Apostle Paul says in Romans 10:13, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This is God’s promise to man, and He never breaks a promise. It is regrettable that most people will die without Christ as Savior. Their poor souls will proceed to the eternal torment of hell the moment of their death. Sadly, by calling on Christ, they could have proceeded to the eternal bliss and happiness of heaven. But, remember, my friend, you must repent and call on Christ before you die. and you have no idea when you will die, even if you are very young.