“You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
James 4:14
A significant question posed by God’s Word asks, “what is your life?” The clear intention of James 4:14 offers a personal question about one’s life tomorrow. This suggests the simple reality that no one knows what tomorrow will bring, because life is very brief and uncertain.
A literal translation of this verse poses the question, “what is the nature of your life?” And the answer comes from within the verse: life is defined as a “mist” or “vapor.” This references a morning mist, or perhaps a morning fog that quickly burns off by the sun. This description of life does not give a negative estimate of worth, but rather an undeniable assessment of brevity, whether life ends at age 5 or 105. One’s time on earth is unbelievably brief in comparison to eternity.
What lessons are learned in view of life’s brevity? I am reminded of three specific lessons the Bible offers.
First, make the most of “this” moment. The Scriptures encourage us to “redeem the time.” This translates, “make the most of your present opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 4:5). While planning represents a very good and necessary priority, we cannot miss opportunities right in front of us.
Second, be urgent about doing good, because such opportunities are always fleeting. Jesus felt the urgency of being about God’s work while the opportunity remained. He said, “As long as it is day, we must do God’s work. Night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
Third, live with eternity on your mind. I Peter 4:7-11 reminds us to address the brevity of life by living in ways reflecting a perspective that is Heavenward:
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
From Peter’s encouragement above, notice 7 very simple instructions for living with eternity on your mind:
- Pray – “be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
- Love others unconditionally – “Love each other deeply.”
- Be hospitable with all others – “offer hospitality to one another ”
- Do not needlessly complain – “without grumbling.”
- Live out the giftedness God has placed within you with a passion for Him – “use whatever gift you have received.”
- Watch your speech and use every word to honor God and encourage others – “speak as one who speaks the very words of God.”
- Serve tirelessly – “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides.”
And, in all things, bring glory to Jesus Christ. – “to him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Wow! What an incredible way to live in the face of life’s brevity.
So, do not live morbidly about life’s uncertainty. Instead, make the most of every moment. Urgently do good. Live with heaven in mind.
Take a moment to do that extra kind deed instead of rushing through your day. Slow down and read an extra story to your little one. Hold your wife’s hand a little longer. Treasure real conversations with friends. And daily recognize that God is the giver of life. He has your days numbered, and He can be trusted – emphatically trusted, with the uncertainty and brevity of life.
Although we are at times sadly reminded of life’s brevity for all of us, we can make the most of every moment God has blessed us with on earth. So today, embrace the brevity of life with the joy of eternity by making the most of this moment.
Blessings.
