Life is a precious opportunity, but it is not a permanent possession.
In John 9:4— “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work”, Jesus reminds us that there is a time to work, a time to serve, and a time to fulfil our purpose.
The day represents the season of life, strength, opportunity and ability, while the night speaks of the time when earthly labour comes to an end. Death is one of the sobering realities that brings this truth home. How often do we postpone the love and good we can do today, believing tomorrow is guaranteed?
We delay our assignments, serve without passion, work without commitment, and treat our responsibilities as though we have unlimited time. Yet, the clock of life keeps ticking, reminding us that every breath is an opportunity to make a difference.
The recent report of a gospel singer who reportedly slumped and died in Ibadan, Oyo State, brings this message painfully close to home. The suddenness of such a loss of someone who sang at an overnight concert, reminds us of how fragile human life can be. One moment, a person may be standing, singing, serving, creating, or pursuing a dream; the next, life as we know it may come to an unexpected end.
The lesson is not to live in fear of death, but to live with an awareness of purpose that keeps reminding us that, today is the day you have tomorrow may not be there. We must never assume that there will always be another opportunity to sing that song, preach that sermon, care for that loved one, complete that assignment, or make peace with someone we have hurt or hurt us. We should honour those who have departed, not merely with tears and tributes, but by allowing their passing to awaken us to the value of the time we still have.
This truth applies to every sphere of life. Whether you are a teacher in a classroom, a civil servant in an office, a journalist behind a microphone, a business owner serving customers, a parent raising children, or a minister of the Gospel standing before a congregation, do your work with love, passion, commitment and dedication while you still have the opportunity.
“Do not wait for applause before giving your best”.
“Do not allow bitterness, laziness, envy or the desire for recognition to rob your service of its value”. Work as unto the Lord, even when nobody is watching.
The work of your hands may be physical, but its impact can be spiritual; your daily responsibilities may seem ordinary, yet they may be the very assignment through which God touches another life. Give your best, not merely because someone is paying you, praising you or watching you, but because you understand the value of the time entrusted to you.
One day, the day will give way to the night. The microphone will fall silent, the office chair will be occupied by another person, the pulpit will have another voice, and the hands that once laboured will rest. When that moment comes, what will remain of the life you lived? Will people remember your love, your sacrifice, your integrity and your faithful service, or will they only wish you had done more with the time you had?
The passing of Toluwanisings (the gospel singer that passed away in Ibadan) is a painful reminder that life is uncertain, but our response to that uncertainty must be purposeful living. As of yesterday, Wednesday, October 14, 2026, resident doctors at UCH, Ibadan, were still on strike. They only called it off today. Every emergency case referred to UCH yesterday reportedly went unattended to, including ToluwaniSings.
Think about that for a moment. Even a voice that ministers to thousands can be silenced when a broken system fails the person behind it.
• Do not wait until death teaches you the value of life.
• Do not wait until someone is gone before you appreciate their service.
• Do not wait until your strength fails before you give your best.
As Jesus declared in John 9:4, the time to work is while it is still day. So, while you have breath, serve with love. While you have strength, labour with dedication. While you have an opportunity, make a difference. For the night will come when no man can work.
