Despite the forecast of doom and gloom for the UK economy on account of the UK’s future departure from the European Union, there’s a high rate of employment, and with it much hustle and bustle. As I look out of my window towards the road, I’m aware of a never-ending stream of traffic. Many of my neighbours have had major improvements carried out to their properties; three of them have had extensions built. There’s so much activity people barely have time to chat to one another. Of course, there are exceptions. When I go for a walk around the neighbourhood I bump into people I’ve come to know, and usually they are happy to spend a few moments sharing their latest news and views.

I think I’ve made my point, but, in addition to this syndrome of hyper-activity, I know people who have to cram far more into twenty-four hours than one would believe is possible. They have several hobbies, all requiring attention and often travel; this is in addition to the demands of their jobs and caring for families. I’m convinced the reason they want to fill their lives with activity is because, if they dare stop and think about the deeper aspects of life they would be fearful (Psalm 19:9). Where would their thoughts take them? Would they have to admit there is more to life than doing things? Would they ask why the world and the universe are so beautiful? Would they question how they came into being? Would they have to admit there is a Master Designer behind the making of so many wonderful, living things (Romans 1:20-22)? If there is a God, what does He want of them? There surely must be a God, because none of this could have come about without a Creator (Psalm 19:1-4). This is their reluctant conclusion.

Now they are flummoxed! That is really too much for them to have to face up to. If He is so vast, powerful and clever, why did He make human beings? They are nothing but worms (Job 25:6; Psalm 22:6) by comparison to a majestic God (Job 37). They are forced to accept they are His creation (Genesis 1:26-2:1), and if that’s the case, what does He expect of them? No, that’s just too much! Instead of burying their heads in the sand to shut out the truth and the challenge of the question, they decide to fill their lives with activity – they must busy themselves so that they have no time to consider God, or have anything to do with Him. They deliberately shut Him out (Romans 1:28).

By so doing, they commit the unforgivable sin, which is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit by rejecting Him (Mark 3:28, 29). He is the One who gives His Spirit (John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6) to those who will receive Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, and yet there is the biblical teaching of irresistible grace (John 6:37-47). No one can resist the calling of God (Romans 8:30). They come to Him willingly, repenting of their sins, believing and trusting Jesus (Mark 1:15). They are joyful and thankful for His love for them. They hear Him speaking to them through His Word, the Bible, and they will inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29). They will have life in abundance (John 10:10).