It is said of Pythagoras, a famous Greek philosopher of the 6th century B.C., that he was so anxious to pursue his studies to completion that to fight sleep, he tied his hair with a string to a beam in the ceiling. Immediately he started to nod, the sudden tug aroused him. This way he was kept awake until his task was done.
King Edward VII of Great Britain said shortly before he died: "I could do with thirty-six hours in my day. Time is so short."
A certain queen desired her portrait painted. After careful thought, she chose an able and promising artist. The appointed time arrived for the first sitting, but the artist failed to appear. Ten minutes later he dashed in with profuse apologies, only to be told that her Majesty had gone. His greatest opportunity was missed by a few minutes and never returned.
On the one hand is the drowsiness of sin, which renders men unconscious of their condition before God. It is like the sleepiness that comes over the traveler in the cold just before he freezes to death.
On the other hand is life's golden opportunity. Reader! The Savior of sinners is passing by. Hear Him say to you: "Come now, and let us reason together,... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isa. 1:18. "Behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.
To delay is an insult to Him and grave danger to your immortal soul. While time and opportunity are yours, receive Him gladly, confess Him openly, and serve Him devotedly.