In 1999, we heard a lot about "Y2K-compliance." Tremendous amounts of time and money were spent so that major computer systems would not crash or "glitch" at 12 a.m. on January 1, 2000. Our government assured us that financial institution computers were ready, that ATMs would correctly handle deposits and withdrawals; and that Russian and United States intercontinental ballistic missiles would not be part of the New Year's Eve fireworks displays. The FAA even assured us that planes would not fall from the sky. Numerous warnings issued to folks all over the world encouraged them to prepare for Y2K. They were to:

• Buy flashlights, batteries, and candles.
  
  
• Have on hand at least a three-day supply of drinking water and canned food.
  
  
• Be prepared to be on their own for at least three days without the conveniences we often take for granted, such as electricity and running water.
  
  

I am not being critical of those who sounded the warnings or of those who prepared for Y2K. In order to be compliant, many people did stock up on supplies of canned food, water, batteries, candles, and cash. But some did nothing to prepare. Thankfully, the transition to Y2K was rather uneventful. Computers did not crash; planes did not fall from the sky; and the lights didn't go out! But, as we began the new millennium, some solemn, sobering thoughts came to mind:

First, most who were blessed by being alive to see the turn of the century will not live to see the next century. Most who were living at that point in time will enter eternity before the year 2100. Some prefer not to think about this fact; nevertheless, it is true. It is appropriate, then, to raise the question: Are you "eternity-compliant." Are you prepared for eternity? Do you value your soul to the same degree you value your physical life? The prophet Amos warned Israel when he wrote, "...prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." (Amos 4:12) Amos was not warning Israel to prepare for a new century; he was warning them to prepare for God's judgment.

Second, the Bible has some sobering warnings that were fitting at the turn of the century, as well as now. James taught about life's brevity. He wrote, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14; Cf. 1 Peter 1:24)

Jesus emphasized the value of the soul when He said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16:26,27)

The apostle Paul warned of the coming judgment by writing, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) Hence, every accountable being will undergo righteous judgment and will, depending on the verdict, spend eternity in either heaven or hell.

"They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (1 Peter 4:5,6)

"And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Also read John 12:48, Acts 17:31, and Hebrews 13:4.

Third, even though we are seeing many changes in this millennium, man's basic needs have not changed. He continues to need God, our Creator, who provides for our every need (Genesis 1:26-31).

• He needs the basic necessities of life--air to breathe, sunlight, rain, food, shelter, and raiment--all of which are blessings from God (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:24-26).
  
  
• He needs divine direction, since he is unable "to direct his own steps." (Jeremiah 10:23)
  
  
• Because all men have sinned, and continue to do so, they need to be reconciled to God (Romans 3:23; 5:10; Colossians 1:21-23).
  
  
  • To be reconciled to God and forgiven of past sins, we need the atoning power of the blood of Christ (Romans 3:25; 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). To receive the benefits of the atoning power of Christ's shed blood, we must obey the gospel of Christ, "the power of God unto salvation." (Romans 1:16) We must:
    
    
    • Recognize and accept Jesus Christ as the Savior (John 14:6).
      
      
    • Be taught God's way and have believing faith in that way (Matthew 28:19,20; Romans 10:17).
      
      
    • "Repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (Acts 26:20, Luke 13:3,5)
      
      
    • Confess before men that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9,10).
      
      
    • Be buried in the waters of baptism (Matthew 28:18, 19; Mark 16:15, 16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-11; 1 Peter 3:21).
      
      
    • Finally, we must be "servants of righteousness" and live "faithful unto death." (Romans 6:12-23; Revelation 2:10)
      
      

Conclusion: Proper planning and preparation is essential. We applaud those who were instrumental in helping us dodge the "Y2K bullet." No right-minded person wants important computer systems to crash, planes to fall from the sky, to be in the dark, or for ATMs to be unable to dispense cash when we need it. Friend, are you preparing so that you will be "eternity-compliant" when you have your inevitable meeting with God on Judgment Day? Remember the words of the prophet Amos, "...prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." (Amos 4:12)

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Nothing is more important than being prepared to step into eternity. Savings accounts, IRAs, possessions, and personal retirement schemes cannot reach beyond the grave. God gives us TIME, and we each receive a different amount. What are we doing with the time He's allotted us? God is the timekeeper, and only He knows how much we have left. But it really doesn't matter, as long as we're properly prepared for final departure. May God help us all to grasp the importance of being "eternity-compliant." (KMG)