Now is the Day



In this competitive, world-trade market and computer age of technological discoveries, the fact remains that the United States in its quest to maintain superiority over other nations is falling short of being the super-power it once was.  Businesses everywhere are losing vision and the desire of being a successful entrepreneurship. 

Free and private enterprises are failing do to governmental rules and regulations that negatively impact visionaries.  The owners of these businesses cannot see the worth of venturing into uncharted or familiar waters like they once did.  They are saying, “It’s just not worth it.”  Consequently, capitalism is on the downswing. 

This lack of imaginative creativity reminds me of the saying, “Throwing out the baby with the bath water.”  People cannot see the important things in life when everything around them is soiled and dirty, because of unsavory leaders in high places that make the rules and regulations to fit their own personal agendas.  On the other hand, there are other entrepreneur/individual stories that need our attention.      

Let’s bring it closer to home.  When trying to make ends meet, or manipulating the system to bring positive, financial results, some individuals fail to see their personal responsibility to loved ones in the home.  They fall short in maintaining stability, which consists of true compassion and love.  I call it, “blind ambition.”  It is a drive to attain bigger and better things at the expense of another person’s pain and suffering, while getting caught up in placing their selfish desires ahead of family members and friends. 

To take it one step nearer; it places the family on shaky ground, at risk for failure, when there is a failure to recognize that family must take precedent over “things.”  This happens when an unleashed passion to obtain fame and fortune blinds better judgment.  The behavior is like a devastating plague that looms over a crowd of people, yet moves quickly through the ranks of vulnerable individuals, bringing separation and death.  It is difficult to stop, but not impossible.

The surrounding murkiness of materialism tends to impair the vision of those that allow themselves to be caught up in monetary gain.  Failure to recognize this inner obsession of oneself; not seeing the need of submitting to the psychological and emotional lack in loved ones, parallel the illustration regarding the baby left in filthy bath water.  Those that should be most important can be unknowingly thrown out, because of unawareness and poor vision, which are the two ingredients that create and spell TROUBLE.

Our nation’s ability to be strong and influential is due, in part, to computer related technology.  When this technology is harnessed by knowledgeable individuals, results are imminent.  Our genius-minded scientists are good at what they do, because of hard work, long hours of research, and aspirations for success.

What once took countless hours to solve complicated, mathematical equations can now be resolved in seconds of entering data into a computer program.  It is mind boggling how advancements have progressed in science, chemistry, and engineering in just a few, short decades.

Knowledge has soared to heights that literally frighten me.  Mankind can obliterate itself by merely pushing a button.  What a sobering thought!  Weapons of mass destruction can be unleashed without mercy and could very possibly be one of the variables, if not the number one pinnacle of discoveries, that may prove devastating to all mankind one day.

As Americans, our daily lives are directly impacted by the hustle and bustle that is created by this computer age.  The “I want it now” syndrome that influences superficial desires usually overshadow “farsighted” people that cannot see the importance of loved ones that are standing next to them; making it probable to fall victim to the intellectual bombardment of programming. 

This influence not only captures the workaholic in its web of deception and false dreams, but the unsuspecting bystander as well.  It is like a vacuum that draws relentlessly into itself at supersonic speed. 

The blinding element that is becoming widespread is that most people are unaware that it’s happening to them.  They fail to realize that insensitivity is looming and that they are becoming desensitized, because of repetitive main-lining of self-indulgent living.

Many unsuspecting people are suffering from self-inflected abuse that's caused by an over zealous approach to life.  It’s similar to masochists that abuse themselves.  A man or woman out of control, attempting to climb the ladder of success, creating a higher plane of living at the expense of mental and physical exhaustion, is nothing less than what masochists do.  Both experience varying levels of pain.  The only difference, masochists enjoy it.  Everyone suffers that are around people with obsessive behaviors. 

Not only does the compulsive worker suffer scars, because of their uninhibited obsession, loved ones that are closest to them also receive scars.  The scars may not leave physical markings of abuse, but they go much deeper into the mental and emotional makeup of those suffering.  It’s unconscionable to treat ourselves and others in a merciless, uncaring manner in the name of prosperity, but many do.

Environmental pressures from ranking individuals above us can also play a part in the lifestyle that we live.  They capitalize on performance in the workplace to the point that fatigue and exhaustion become a way of life for the diligent, dedicated employee.  This can exert an undo pressure upon the home front and all concerned.  It becomes so pronounced and ingrained in daily living that the high geared, compelling drive to achieve at whatever the cost, consumes countless hours.  This determines the amount and intensity of the abuse that is felt. 

Pressures can also dictate a premise in living.  It’s like being in a dictatorship environment—a pressure cooker setting—surrounded by the challenge to produce, which is ever present.  It is a constant feeling of, “Time waits for no man.”  No longer are pictures that read, “Home Sweet Home” hung on cold, white painted walls in homes.  Instead, because of the unrest that prevails, the home becomes a stopping off place between meetings and business trips.

A “get ahead” mentality compels people to strive for perfection, whereas, perfection is impossible to attain.  If the home or business computer is not fast enough, a faster, more improved model is bought to keep up with the growing demand for a higher plane of excellence.  This endeavor only provides a temporary, false sense of security for the short-lived feelings that exist in a driven mind.  Keeping in pace with the challenges that attract one’s allegiance is foremost.  No thought is given to time spent on the computer, while the rest of the family remains unnoticed.

Everywhere they go and the things they do seem like it’s a rush to succeed and fulfill social status.  If anyone should get in their way, God help them.  Their daily trek to and from work on crowded streets and freeways, unnerving as it is, challenges their ability to maintain self-control should a slower moving vehicle impede their progress.

To solve this problem, many people get up hours earlier and stay later at work to miss the freeway slowdowns and traffic jams, only to create more problems at home, because of absenteeism.  The statement, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is not applicable here. 

In countless homes it has become a thing of the past to sit around the dinner table with the family and share a meal together.  Everyone is going their separate ways.  If the family does find the time, it is driving through a fast foods Drive-Thru, eating in the car as they hurry to keep appointments that were almost forgotten, because of pressured minds that haven’t slowed down long enough to keep things current.

Weeks, months, and years go by before we can say, “Isn’t life grand!”  We stand in amazement at how quickly we have turned another year older.  We are busy, busy, and busy.  Too many activities are competing for our time and attention as another year has come and gone.  Failure to recognize the importance of spending quality time with one another and worse yet, God, has also past.  This continuing problem can destroy relationships with family members and God Almighty if changes are not implemented.

When busy people finally lay their head on a pillow to rest after a grueling day at work, all they can think about is catching a few winks of sleep before starting the process all over again the following morning.  It seems like a never ending cycle as they toss and turn, not able to switch off their busy mind, replaying the day’s activities, while anticipating tomorrow’s heavy schedule.

People seldom kneel beside their bed anymore to call out for strength from God.  Instead, they fall into bed too tired to utter any kind of praise at all.  They spend little time, if any, telling God how much they love Him and what He means to them.

Busy schedules can push God out of the picture, “before quick can get ready.”  The very One who created time is being neglected.  Because of this, I believe the following words were written in the Bible.

(2 Corinthians 6:2), “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.”  

God knew mankind’s nature and the busyness that they would find themselves doing.  He knew that they would prefer to put off until tomorrow the thing that should be done today. 

For many people tomorrow never comes.  For this reason it is important to listen and obey the Holy Spirit as He speaks to the inner consciousness.  People need to heed the convicting power that God allows to take place in their heart.  Every effort to pay attention to His prodding is of the utmost importance.  It is the difference between life and death.

(Mark 8:36), “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” 

God is saying by His Spirit that there is nothing in this world worth attaining that is more important than serving Him.  Some people struggle unnecessarily when they put things before God.  Finding happiness without God is an effort in futility.  It is an undiscovered, unfulfilled reality.  He is waiting patiently for total allegiance—happiness follows. 

Our fleeting time on earth is merely a dressing room for eternity.  How we live life in this flesh will determine where we live life in the spirit after passing from this life.  It is most important to include God in our daily scheduling and take time for Him.  As this is done, a realization will come into view that the more time we give to God the more enjoyable and carefree living becomes.

God’s blessings abide when we allow Him to reside within our spirit—abundant living is experienced—life takes on new meaning.  When we open our eyes each morning we will exclaim, “It’s a new day that the Lord has made!  I will rejoice and be glad in it!” 

God’s strength is forever present to help us face the challenges of another day.  This knowledge alone will alleviate tension and stress if we cast our cares upon Father God.  Now is the day of salvation through Jesus Christ.  In Him we live.

Written by,

Papa Boyd