Perspectives
by ED CHERRYHOLMES
Recently I became aware of a movement that has gained a bit of notoriety as it deals with the last days of humankind. Nearly a year ago this group predicated the end of the world and return of Christ for May 21, 2011. The followers were convinced they had the truth and some sold all their possessions. Those who gave up everything were sincere, but mistaken.
Obviously the world didn’t end then. The leaders announced a miscalculation and the new date is December 20, 2011. People who have followed these leaders have been disappointed, and this time it might be more difficult to convince them that the end of time is near. This new date for the rapture (the end of time) takes its place with countless predictions that failed to come true. This last days outlook is not new. It is recorded in Biblical history. The early Christians thought that Christ was going to return very soon, and the return of Christ has been a belief of Christians through the centuries. Although the Bible speaks to the return of Christ, the time frame is known by no one, not even the angels of heaven.
At different times through the ages, countless numbers of people have believed a certain date would bring the end of the world. I don’t want to belittle their beliefs since this time it might turn out to be true. We will just have to wait and see. The question that remains for us is, “What do we do with our time in the interim?” A Chinese philosopher gave us a direction for living our lives. He said, “Plan as though you were going to live a thousand years, but live as though you were going to die tomorrow.” Too many people spend their time waiting for the rapture and they don’t live today.
Life has to be lived in the present. Each day is a day unto itself not to be repeated, and we never know from one day to the next what the future holds. We need to concentrate on what we can do today to make life better in this world. If the world ends on December 20, 2011 that will be all right. If it doesn’t that is fine too, if we do our best to make this a world of peace and harmony for all people. In the meantime don’t get rid of all your possessions. We just might have to live a while longer, but let’s do so with hope, peace and love.
