A LIFETIME TO PREPARE

     Life moves ever so swiftly. You, like me, wonder where time goes. Yesterday we were young, and today we are old. How many tomorrows do we have left before we leave the walk of men? The Bible addresses the swiftness of life. “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle...O remember that my life is wind.” Job 7:6-7. James saw life as a “vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14. For that reason, he determined that we ought to say, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” James 4:15. We must not count on tomorrow, for tomorrow may not come. We could make that journey into eternity at any moment. Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, saw life as a “flower that fades and grass that withers.” Isaiah 40:6-8. Indeed, we know that life is brief.

   The Psalmist, in the midst of speaking of God’s everlasting nature, counsels us to the consideration that must be given to life. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12. We are to be mindful of the brevity of life. We are to be aware of life’s purpose. This psalm teaches us of God’s dwelling. The words speak of God’s wrath and his mercy. We are to behold God’s work and his glory for we are his servants. The beauty of the Lord is upon us. Henceforth, our days will be numbered and our hearts will know wisdom. Life is to be lived in service to God while we are to be mindful of his nature.

     The apostle Paul when writing to the Ephesians exhorts us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16. Our time is to be spent, not in idle foolishness, but in pursuit of God’s purpose. Our days are not to be used in worldly endeavors, but in the glorification of God’s kingdom. Our years are not to be used in seeking the praises of men, but rather we are to seek the praise of God. We are dying, and we must be prepared to die. Of all the endeavors that should occupy us, meeting the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ at the judgment should be our overall concern. We are here as visitors, and we are bound for eternity. The journey here is to prepare us for our dwelling there. And the days to accomplish that feat are few.