It Is Later Than You Think!
January 1, 1970
There is a frequently quoted and unforgettable phrase — just these six words – “It is later than you think.” It is later than most of us think. Perhaps it is later than any of us think. The unpredictable suddenness with which events happen makes us aware that it is later than is comfortable in too many ways to mention. But beyond all this, and quite aside from outside events, it is later than most of us think even in our personal lives. It is a characteristic of youth to suppose that life is long enough for satisfying all ambitions, for all things hoped for’ to think that time, if no endless, at least is of such length that its pleasant and untroubled passing is a luxury we can well afford. Even when some of us are well beyond our youth, and fear into the years when others of our age seem old, still the p0assing of time is often pleasantly ignored. But regardless of our prodigal attitude toward time’s passing, it is later than we think – whether we are in our youth or in the years that look, back and remember – whether the Reaper calls in springtime or whether He lets us go our way into the lengthened years of life – still it is all too short for what remains to be done, and still it is later than most of us think. Said the Master of mankind” Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” “Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today.” Again there comes the unforgettable refrain – “It is later than you think!” Let us do what we ought to be doing – and never suppose that it isn’t so.