Jesus knew when His earthly life would come to an end. Most of us don’t have information. I recall my mom saying after a young woman died very unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm, “We just never know, so it behooves one to be ready.”

We all want to think we’ll live long lives, but life really is unpredictable. The only One who knows the full number of our days is God the Father. One thing we do know: our hour will come. None of us will live forever. But this time on earth, even for those who live to be a 100+, is a blink of an eye compared to eternity. So what should take precedence—preparing for tomorrow or preparing for forever? Not that tomorrow should be ignored (being responsible is wise), but if our entire focus is short term, then we aren’t preparing our hearts for eternity. The first step of readiness is to know Jesus on a personal level. Then the Holy Spirit will help us not only live wisely on earth but ready us for eternity with Him.