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“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
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“Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.”
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Most of us have had our elders tell us, “You have your whole life ahead of you.” In the book of James, he compares life as a vapour, explaining how
fleeting our time here is. You can visualize this while breathing during a frosty winter’s day.
We only have a finite number of heartbeats. The wise shall use them well. The vain will believe they shall never end.
Enjoy Each Day
As a child, we were all in a rush to grow up. There were stages we looked forward to: learning to drive; getting a drivers license; graduating from school; going to college or trade school. Everything seemed so distant in those youthful eyes.
There is a song entitled, You’re Gonna Miss This. The lyrics exemplify how fast people want things to happen, but the message reminds us to slow down and enjoy each day. The chorus says:
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“You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this”
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During our brief stay on Earth, what goals do we set? For some it will be achieving fame. For many it will involve attaining financial well-being.
Sadly, too few will walk a biblical journey through life. The Bible warned us of a great falling away. What else would one call the declination of church goers today?
Lukewarm pastors who insist on preaching of love and joy—while ignoring the full counsel of God—has resulted in multitudes of souls wandering aimlessly. Apathy towards religion is, likewise, tearing at the fabric of spirituality.
Like Sand in the Hourglass
Part of living a healthy life should include relaxation and entertainment. However, many Americans continue to squander time on frivolous endeavors, failing to realize these things should not be our primary focus.
Nobody knows how much sand is still in their hourglass. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. Instead of planning next week’s itinerary, we should, instead, consider our eternal life. Psalms 90:12 reads: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
We need not be overconfident about our plans. God has a plan for each of us and can override our ideas, as well as our aspirations for the future. Ultimately, we are not in charge.
There are multiple instructions in His Holy Word that help to emphasize how short time is. We read:
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“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” —Psalms 39:4
“Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.” —Psalms 144:4
“But this I say, brethren, the time is short:” —1 Corinthians 7:29
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Jesus knew that time was fleeting and implored us to work diligently to prepare for eternity. In John 9:4 He said: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Our Great Commission
Many times unpleasantries come into our lives. God is reminding us that this world is not our home. Moreover, we have more important works that need fulfilling during our brief sojourn here.
In Matthew 28:19-20 we read:
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“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
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Though no man knows the day nor the hour of Jesus’ return, we should make haste in sharing the Gospel to as many souls as we can. For some this may be an uncomfortable proposition, whether they be shy, or have an inability to articulate a personal testimony.
The Apostle Paul tells us to study His Word in preparation. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read:
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“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
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If you are walking with Christ, you will be able to witness to others the glory and magnificence of Him. Likewise, we need to realize that failure is acceptable. Jesus, in Luke 6:22-23 said:
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“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”
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Planting Seeds
Rely on the Holy Spirit to lead you. As a born again believer you are already filled with the love of Jesus and should want to share this with others. Even if the other person is noncommittal, a seed has been planted.
There will also be those who flatly refuse to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. We have received instructions for this as well. In Matthew 10:14:
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“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”
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As Christians we know that there is evil in this world. We are in a spiritual battle with Satan and his minions every day. Do not let this dampen your mission. We are here for only a short time, but, as Jesus told us, our reward is great in heaven. 
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