Seeing What is Eternal

 2 Corinth 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The Scriptures say that life on earth is like a vapor. Vapor quickly dissipates into the air. We look at a pot of water that is boiling and see that as the water heats up, it evaporates. It turns into steam. We temporally see it move in the air, then it is gone. Like vapor, our life on earth is much the same, we are tempted to fix our eyes on earthly things. We work hard to build wealth and security. We desire things in this world that bring a sense of satisfaction. The temporal things of this life have their attractions. But for the person who has been born again, and experiences the eternal forgiveness of Christ, we set our affections on things above and not on things of this world. True contentment does not come from the earthly treasures of life, for they are short-lived and will fade away in the light of eternity. The saying that, “Seeing is believing” is flawed by the reality that there is more to life than what is seen with the naked eye. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am also known.” (1 Corinth 13:12). Life on earth happens, and in this world we will have tribulations. But be of good cheer, for we live not for this world, but for a better world whose builder and maker is God.

Our Days Are Numbered

 Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

 

We are only here for a short time on earth. Life is a vapor, before we know it, it is gone and we are left with a legacy that glorified God or lived for self. Each day is given to us by our Creator, and we don’t know our appointed time. We may live to be 70, 80 or more years on this earth, but our days are all numbered. May we seek each day for God to give us wisdom, to let our life count for Christ and eternity. Let go of the sin that so easily besets us. Let us run the race to cross the finish line. Looking to Jesus, the author and completer of our faith. Life is too short to waste on negativity and past failures. May we apply our heart to wisdom every day of our lives.

Certainty of Death

 Ecclesiastes 7:2
It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every person, And the living takes it to heart.

Death is inevitable and comes to all that are born into this life. It is good to think about death because it reminds us that life is but a vapor, and only that done for eternity will live on. We are so focused on the here and now, the demands of our society in our culture to make something of our lives in a material way. Have a nice job, buy a nice home, and be comfortable in our space. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with wanting these creature comforts, but we don’t take any of it with us when death comes. We have our soul, which consists of our relationship to God and others. Jesus said there are two great things in life that we need to pay attention to. “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Going to the house of mourning awakens our heart and mind to what is essential in life. As we continue to live in this world becoming a productive citizen and contributing  to our community, let us not forget that death can come at any time and only that done in Jesus name will really matter.

Life is Short

Psalm 90: 12  The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years…So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

For most of us, we will live 70 to 90 years. “For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” Every day is a gift given to us by God. When this life we hold passes, we will stand before God and give an account for the days we have lived. How important it is to apply each day with God’s wisdom. To take time in our day to read His word and spend time with Him alone. We should never be too busy with work and life’s responsibilities to put God on the back shelf of our life. Each day, He should be the center of life’s activities. Living each day with eternity in mind. To be spiritually minded is to live each day in the presence of God and to be ready when He choose to call us home, or when the trump of God is sounded.