So often, as we travel this road of life, we think of the future. This was brought home the other morning as news of a new blood test that will predict our longevity by measuring the tips of our chromosomes. I do not understand how it works, but claims are this little part of our chromosome, the telomere, gives the genetic information on how long we might live. How this will be used to enrich our lives remains to be seen.
Man has used other means over the years to predict life-span. When we took out life insurance years ago, the company used our lifestyle, medical history and family history to do the same thing. I remember reading the chart our insurance man printed with interest. Who wouldn't want to know when they will die? Isn't that a consuming question for many?
But if we look at God's word, we see that we have no idea what will happen tomorrow. We do not know the future or how long our life will be. James 4:14 says, "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." I have lived long enough to see those who live clean, hardworking lives and are taken by cancer or a car accident. I have seen those who live long lives who did everything to shorten it, by way of misuse of their body. We just cannot control all aspects, and those we can may or may not help us to live longer.
I do see that a life lived for God, whether long or short, enriches others. An unselfish, godly person makes life better not just for himself, for she is not centered on self. Whether it is long or short, a life lived for God gives joy to others. And the best part is that a life lived in joyful obedience to Christ, whether long or short, has eternity in heaven as reward. I can think of nothing better.
There is a poem, a part of which reads, "Only one life, will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." (C.T. Studd) May we live our lives guided by what will last in truth, not for our own recognition or glory, but for God's kingdom.
