Life is but for a short season. An old hymn compares life to roses. They are here and beautiful then in a few short days they are gone.
So is life. Some live as if they think they can live forever, but this is a false hope. One may eat right, exercise daily, avoid all bad habits and still death will come one day.
Granted, living as just described is a good way to live. Just one thing should be added – seek God and keep his commandments.
James wrote, “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” (James 4:14).
Threescore and 10 are the years of man: “The days of our years are threescore years and 10; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10).
Ask anyone who has lived that long and they will tell you it seemed like such a short time.
Some are like Felix, who wanted to wait for a better time to learn about Christ: “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25).
One never reads that Felix ever found the extra time to call for Paul again. This is a sad commentary on one’s life, yet how many today are so busy with life that they too do not have a convenient season.
There is no reason to make the mistake of waiting too long to obey God. One can find a reliable translation of God’s word and come to know what is expected of them.
It is amazing to many that God genuinely loves them. They have had difficult lives thinking no one cares, when God has always cared. He cares for everything and everybody (Matt. 6:25-30).
Learn about the church that Christ built and for which he died: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18); and, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Learn how God wants everyone to prepare for the end of this short life. His desire is that all should be saved. He allowed man to crucify his Son, this was in his plan for man’s salvation (Acts 2:23).
The Bible gives examples of how people in the first century obeyed the Gospel and were saved (Acts 2:37,38; Acts 8:4-13; 26-39; Acts 9:1-20; 22:6-16; Acts16:13-15, 23-34). It also tells man that he must remain faithful to God, no matter what (I Cor. 15: 1-4; Rev. 2:10).
Some will still say, “Well, one of these days, I will.” Just remember, “one of these days” this life will be over and there will be no more tomorrows.
As the Hebrew writer said, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Make your start today.