Life is short – so make sure to live it without regrets – here’s how

LIFE IS SHORT – MAKE YOUR VAPOR COUNT

Life is short – shorter than you think.  No one is guaranteed tomorrow. James 3:14 says, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? For what is your life? It is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then it’s gone. ” This is not a verse we post on our refrigerator door or mirror. It is not one of the promises we claim and quote. Yet, it is true! Life short – shorter than you think!

Life is like a Vapor – poof and it’s over

Life “on this earth” is a like a vapor – poof and it’s over. This is one of those ultimate truths in God’s Word that we tend to pass by, but we should not ignore it. It is in the Bible for a reason – to help us, but how? How should we respond it? What are we to do? First, while on the surface this seems to be a subject about death, in reality it is about life – our life and how valuable and precious it is.

It’s about Life not Death

Therefore, this short word is not about death, but instead it’s about life and an encouragement to live your life to the fullest. Grasping and embracing the fact that life is shorter than you think should encourage you – not discourage you. It should motivate you – not demotivate you.  It is important to live life without regrets and life that is fulfilling.  Here’s how…

Jesus gives us some perspective about our time on earth and how uncertain that time is in Mark 13:34-37, “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. 36 Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. 37 I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

Don’t Take Your Life for Granted

Jesus is saying don’t take your time here on earth for granted because life could end unexpectedly or He could suddenly return at any moment and life here is over. We need to be awake and diligent with our life. In other words have you put off things that truly matter to you because you have filled your schedule with the things that seem important? Are you more focused on temporal things than eternal things?

Maybe you have been wanting to spend more time with the kids or volunteer at the church. Perhaps there are some family activities on your list that keep being shoved to the back burner. What about the prayer time or devotional time that should be a top priority? Whatever you’re putting off, you need to remember your time on earth is not unlimited.

10 Year Rule

My wife has a “10 year rule” that she uses to help her and help me keep proper priorities in life. When you are faced with making choices between different commitments, activities, meetings, functions, etc. ask the question, what will mean the most or make the biggest difference 10 years from now? Often the things we choose won’t even be remembered 10 years from now.

Temporal verses Eternal

It is important to keep a proper perspective on things that are temporal verse what is eternal. “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2Corithians 4:18 You can’t take any money, cars, houses, degrees, or stuff with you when you die. BUT – you can take others with you. Relationships and helping build the kingdom of God are investments that go into eternity. Make sure you look at life from the perspective of eternity because your life is short – shorter than you think.

Where are you Spiritually?

Is there someone you know that needs to be encouraged with the hope of Christ? Is there a person that could be helped with the love of God through you? What about your spiritual health? Are you right with God? Are there things from an eternal perspective you should make a priority in your life?

Make Your Vapor Count

What are you doing with your life? One minute of your time today could mean eternity for someone else. Don’t come to the end of your life and wish you had spent more time with family or doing something other than your doing. Life is like a vapor – poof and it’s gone. Your life is short – shorter than you think – make your vapor count.