IF NOT TODAY, WHEN?
December 31, 2025
INTRODUCTION: THINKING ABOUT CHANGE AT THE TURN OF THE YEAR
New Year’s Eve is a moment when people naturally think about change. We reflect on the year that has passed and make plans for the year ahead. Resolutions are made with hope and optimism. Some are realistic. Some are difficult. Some are simply impossible.
For the past two months, I had been trying to lose weight. I was slightly overweight and concerned about future health risks. My goal was to lose six kilograms. After consistent effort, I lost only two kilograms. After that, no matter what I tried, the weight refused to move.
According to BMI charts, there is an ideal weight for every height. That is when I had a new realization. Maybe my weight is fine. Maybe the real problem is my height. So next year, I have decided to grow taller.
That thought makes us smile because we know it cannot happen. And it leads us to a deeper truth. Some decisions cannot be postponed. Some delays are harmless. Others are eternally dangerous.
LIFE IS UNCERTAIN AND TEMPORARY
James 4:14
What is your life. It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
The Bible describes human life as a mist. It appears briefly and disappears suddenly. As one year ends and another begins, this verse reminds us how fragile and unpredictable life truly is.
We often plan as if time is guaranteed. Scripture reminds us that life is temporary and uncertain.
LIFE EXISTS UNDER GOD’S WILL
James 4:15
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James does not condemn planning. He corrects self confidence that ignores God. Every breath we take and every future we imagine exists only by God’s will.
A New Year’s resolution without surrender to God assumes tomorrow belongs to us. Scripture teaches humility. Our plans must always rest in God’s hands.
THE DANGER OF POSTPONING ETERNITY
Luke 12:17–20
Jesus tells the story of a rich man whose land produced abundantly. The man planned to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. He told his soul that he had many years ahead to enjoy life.
But God said to him, This night your soul shall be required of you.
The rich man was not condemned for being wealthy. He was condemned for postponing eternity. He planned for comfort but ignored his soul. He assumed he had time.
He did not openly reject God. He delayed responding to Him. And that delay cost him everything.
GOD’S CALL IS TO CHOOSE TODAY
Joshua 24:15
Choose you this day whom ye will serve.
Joshua did not call the people to decide later. He demanded a decision in the present. This day means now.
Not choosing is still a choice. Delayed obedience is disobedience. God always calls His people to respond today.
THE PSALMIST’S VIEW OF HUMAN LIFE
Psalms 39
Psalm 39 reminds us how short life truly is. Even at our best, human strength fades quickly. Time passes silently. Life moves forward without pause.
The psalmist asks the right question. And now Lord what do I wait for. My hope is in You.
True hope is not found in longevity, success, or plans. It is found in God alone.
TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION
2 Corinthians 6:2
Behold now is the accepted time. Behold now is the day of salvation.
The Bible does not say tomorrow is the day of salvation. It does not say next year is the accepted time. It says now.
You do not need a new year to be saved. You need a new heart. And God offers that today through Jesus Christ.
DO NOT DELAY YOUR RESPONSE TO GOD
Life is a vapor. Tomorrow is uncertain. God is sovereign. And the invitation of grace is open today.
If God has spoken to your heart, do not postpone your response. The power of today is this. Jesus Christ is ready now.