Beech Tree News Network

"The living know that they shall die ….” So says Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:5. I would add that while this is true, many of the “living” are living in denial! I have seen many die through the years, and it just emphasizes the fact that we need to be prepared for when our life ends. Solomon wrote, “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart” (Ecc. 7:2). It is time we lay some things to our hearts.

    First, let us remember that life is short. This fact ought to be apparent to us, but some live in denial and act as if they will live on this earth eternally. This is not the case. Moses stated, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; 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” (Ps. 90:10). Notice that Psalm 90 says we will only live about 70 to 80 years on average. What was stated in Moses’ day is still true today. On average, people live into their 70’s or 80’s on this earth and then pass away. Notice that Moses said that one’s life “is soon cut off.” Yes, even when living for several decades upon this earth, one looks back upon those years as a brief time. An observation I heard recently was that for the young person, time drags, and for the older person, time flies. Yes, it is “soon cut off.” Let me suggest it is because of the brevity of life that Moses requests that God “teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). It is paramount that we make the best use of our time on earth since it is limited.

    When we read the New Testament, we see a similar thing being taught. James wrote the following about the brevity of life: “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” (Jas. 4:14). The next time we see the “vapor” rise off of the pond, or the steam off of a pot, let us remember this is God’s description of life on this planet. Regardless of how long we live on this earth, let us appreciate these words of truth and let us prepare for eternity in this short life. The apostle Paul wrote that we need to redeem the time in Ephesians 5:16. To redeem time means we need to make the best use of our time while we are on this earth. Too many people are wasting their precious time, and do not realize it until it is too late.

    What can I do to redeem the time? I need to become a Christian and get my soul right with God. I do this by believing that Jesus is the Son of God, repenting of sin, confessing my faith, and being baptized (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16). In so doing, I am preparing my soul and using my limited time on earth in the best way possible. Are you a Christian? If not, contact me.

-- 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