Life was originally designed to be quite relaxing. And it was for at least a fairly short period in the Garden of Eden.

Those early days after the sixth day of creation were filled with the pleasures of a simple life of caring for the plants and animals.

Then God decided to give Adam a helpmate. With another human being added to the picture, life took on the very beginnings of civilization.

Then the serpent came down and promptly deceived the woman. Genesis 2 and 3 give the detailed account.

This fallen angel, Lucifer, set this present fallen world in motion.

Then again, I’m certain God knew exactly what He was allowing to take shape for the hundreds of generations to follow.

The first 39 books of the Bible, the Old Testament, paint a vivid picture of our human corruption and disobedience along with the consequences of our divisiveness that naturally followed.

Our fallen sin nature continues this very day even though some believe we have found the answers and no longer need God’s divine intervention.

Don’t kid yourselves. We are every bit as corrupt as the people in the Days of Noah. And our time as we know it is running out. The Day of the Lord is at hand.

No, I’m not a prophet, but there are many indicators in Scripture that should have us wary of what will surely come to pass in God’s perfect timing.

But let’s discuss how we can live in the meantime being obedient in pleasing Him while awaiting His imminent return.

During the past 50-plus years involved in doing business, I’ve seen a somewhat subtle transition in how business is conducted.

Trust level has diminished greatly. Our society has become quite litigious.

Much that we see in media cannot be believed. We have to check sources to verify what we hear and read. Securing second, third and fourth opinions is often wise.

In my insurance profession, I’m occasionally confronted by clients who have been persuaded to purchase inferior products that they later realize don’t fit their personal or business needs.

Much of what we buy does not live up to our expectations. Quality is often hard to find these days. The emphasis seems to be minimal service for inferior products. Craftmanship is no longer the pride of the workforce.

Many are caught up in false religion and ideologies that entice many away from the One True God!

Fortunately, I’ve seen a great movement among our younger generations that give me hope that a revival is at hand.

What we need is an obedient people who will listen and follow God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is not finished with us yet.

It’s not too late for you and your loved ones to get on the heavenly train to eternal life!

Passages to Ponder

Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. The opinions expressed are his own.