Beech Tree News Network

In James 4:13-15, James asks the question, “For what is your life?” He answers by comparing life to a vapor or a mist that “appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” Our lives are like that, aren’t they? They are brief at their longest. It seems we are only on this earth for a moment and then are bound for eternity. Thus, James’ question is a good one to ask ourselves. “What is your life?” Let the Bible answer.

    First, our lives are a time of preparation. Our lives are not meant to be simply a time when we breathe, sleep, eat, procreate, and die. There is much more to life than this. Our lives are to be a time when we prepare ourselves for eternity. Jesus taught those in the first century to “watch” and to prepare for His return (Matt. 25:1-13). We do not know when the Lord will return, but we can prepare now. Preparation takes place when we become a Christian and live faithfully for the Lord. This starts when we hear the word of God, which produces faith in Christ (Rom. 10:17). We must have this faith or we will die in our sins (Heb. 11:6; Jn. 8:24). Repentance comes next in God’s plan (Acts 17:30). One must also confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10). Finally, one must be baptized in order to be saved (Mk. 16:16). This preparation is vital! If death comes before we are saved, we will enter eternity unprepared!

    Our lives also consist of choices. We must decide daily how we will conduct ourselves. Jesus wants us to walk the “strait and narrow” way that leads to life. He contrasts this with the “wide and broad way” which leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). Every day we must make a choice. Will we listen to the Lord or will we listen to Satan? Satan tempts us with the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” in order to get us away from God (I Jn. 2:15-17). However, God is ready to forgive, love, and bless us when we follow His word (II Pet. 3:9; Jn. 8:36). Thus, we have the same choice the folks did in Joshua 24:16. We must choose today and every day whom we will serve! What have you chosen?

    Our lives are a time of obedience. It is Jesus who said He is the “author of eternal salvation” to those who obey (Heb. 5:8-9). To be the “author” of something means Christ is the origin, or source of it. In other words, no one will be saved without Christ. No one will be saved who has rejected Christ! No one will be saved who has been disobedient to Christ! Instead, those who are obedient have the opportunity for salvation. Jesus said if we love Him, we must keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15). That is another way of saying, if we love Him, we will obey Him! Too many treat obedience as if it is opposing God’s will. Not so! Obedience is absolutely necessary, and our lives need to be a time of obedience to the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (I Tim. 6:15).

    What is your life? Make today the day you leave your life of sin and live for the Lord the rest of your days (II Cor. 6:2; Mk. 16:16)!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167