20081228
2008 is quickly coming to a close and 2009 will soon dawn on us. It is a good time to review how the year has been and to commit plans for 2009 to the Lord. As we do this, we know that our lives are always in God’s hands and hangs by a thread of His grace. He can give or take life as He pleases according to His infinite wisdom. He always does the right thing for everyone. “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, 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” (Jas. 4:13-14).
The Apostle Paul was aware of the brevity of life and that he was in no way in control of it. However, he desired to live a life, whatever time he was given, that would always glorify his Lord. “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:7). He was able to confidently write: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
How can one live a life that considers things a loss as compared to Christ? People are striving to minimize suffering and maximize comforts in this life. They build bigger barns and lay up treasures on earth. But to the Christian, it is making life’s choices that show one’s joy is not finally in things or even in other people but in Christ. Houses and lands and cars are used to show that Christ is more valuable than they are.
Let us resolve to set time apart to focus on God and seek His will. God makes Himself known when we honour Him with time and attention. I THEN SHALL LIVE.
I have only one life on this earth
And as vapour it’s passing away
I must labour for treasures of worth,
Ere toil ends at the close of the day.
Only one life to give
I could never withhold it from God.
Only one life to live,
I must not miss the “Well done!” of God.
Only one life ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.
