It was time to be counted in the United States as 2010 census forms made their way to homes, institutions and wherever people might be in the Nation. While some people do not mind filling out the forms or vocally answering questions when need be, there are some that feel it is an invasion of privacy, especially when they get the longer form that asks additional questions.

Regardless, politicians have urged us to fill out the forms and return them so the area one lives in is fully counted and can receive the proper amount of benefits from the federal government.

While I might not know all of the purposes the money is used for by my state that it receives from the federal government, I would imagine that in many cases it is used for important things. Perhaps some is for roads and some for education.

These benefits are important so we should be counted in order to receive what we need.

God also has sort of a census. Sure He knows about everyone that is currently living on earth as well as those who were before us and those that shall come after us. However, there is a special record of those who have truly surrendered to God through Christ.

In Revelation we see this record is referred to as the Book of Life. Those that are listed in it will dwell forever in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 20-21). Concerning the New Jerusalem, it is written in Revelation 21:27, "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

From this we see that not everyone will be found in the Book of Life. Revelation also warns (20:15), "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

In order to be listed in this Book one must not trust in himself or in what he does or has done. One must fully trust in the finished work of Christ upon the cross and dwell in the works of Christ and His resurrected life, for (Titus 3:5) it is "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."

If you have not fully committed to Christ, please surrender to Him now. For those of us who have surrendered to Him, let us resolve to remain in Him, that we might overcome with Him.