I once read the following story of a Christian wife who was married to a non-Christian.  She tried so hard for years to get her husband interested in spiritual things, but to no avail.

Then, it happened that the wife had an upcoming birthday and her husband asked her what she wanted.  She looked him in the eye and said, “There is one thing you could give me that would mean more than anything in the world.  Since Sunday is my birthday, I want you to come to church with me.”  He gave her that “you know how I feel about that” look, but hesitantly consented to her request.

She could hardly wait for Sunday.  As the time drew near she was as nervous as excited.  Everything needed to be just right, she thought, in order to make a favorable impression on him.  When the time arrived, the worship hour had gone beautifully until the preacher announced his sermon would be taken from the genealogy of Genesis 5.  “Oh no,” she reasoned, “That is not what my husband needs to hear!”  The lesson was presented well, but she felt disappointed, especially since her husband did not comment on the service.

However, a couple of days later her husband came home from work and announced he was ready to become a Christian.  Both thrilled and shocked she hugged her husband and expressed her joy.  “Those are the words I’ve dreamed of hearing you say for so long.  But please tell me what brought about your decision.”  “Well,” he replied, “I kept thinking about that sermon where those people would live for a certain number of years and die.  Truthfully, the phrase ‘and he died- -and he died’ kept passing through my mind.  It made me realize my own mortality and how I need to be right with God.”

Coming to grips with our own mortality is a “reality check.”  Mortality plays no favorites to young, old, rich, poor, famous, of infamous.  Of course, the Bible has always made that clear (Heb. 9:27).  Thus, if you are not following Christ, like this husband, you need to wake up and realize your need to make your life right with Him- - while you can.