We often hear people say, “It’s not the beginning of the journey that matters, but the end.” This statement is very popular, and almost everyone agrees with it. Many Christians also agree and accept it as truth. But is it really true that the end of a person’s journey determines their eternal destiny? This statement can lead to the belief that only a person’s final moments decide their eternal fate. If this concept is accepted as truth, it tends to lead one not to build oneself early in life to become a person who pleases God. In other words, someone may fail to live watchfully and to prepare themselves long before facing death or the Judgment Seat of God. This carelessness can bring several consequences, including:
First, one will not have the right attitude of watchfulness. They hope that someday, when they reach the brink of death, there will still be an opportunity to repent. Usually, such people refer to the criminal beside Jesus, who repented before dying and was immediately accepted into Paradise. We must remember that this was a very special case and that it rarely happens to anyone else. We must not compare ourselves with anyone—each person has their own journey. When someone does not maintain a vigilant attitude, they become prey to the powers of darkness (1 Pet. 5:8). For this reason, the Lord Jesus instructs us always to be watchful (Matt. 25:13).
In reality, many people postpone repentance or delay sincerely following the Lord Jesus. They think that one day, before they die, they will repent first, and this is a grave mistake, because no one knows when their last moment will be. One who dies may not have the chance to repent. Death can come suddenly—through an accident or an unexpected illness. Furthermore, if someone has lived too long in unrighteousness, their heart may become so hardened that they can no longer repent. If this happens, their portion is only destruction.
Second, one will fail to use time to grow in maturity. Such a person delays what should be done immediately or at the proper time. They always assume there is still more time, even though the opportunities God gives to each individual are limited, so that is why Paul urges the church to make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:16). Making the most of the time means using all the time God has given—not only the moments near death or at the end of life’s journey.
If a person maintains a watchful attitude from early in life, they will be able to stand firm before the Lord Jesus (Luke 21:36). To stand firm before the Son of Man means being ready to account for everything done throughout life. When standing before God’s throne, a person who has been watchful from the beginning will have reached maturity or perfection that satisfies God, and therefore will be able to stand before the Son of Man. On the other hand, a person who fails to reach the spiritual target they should have reached will be afraid to face God, meaning they will not be able to stand before Him. Let us commit ourselves to always living watchfully so that we remain ready, no matter what happens.