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The Brevity of Life

8/25/2012

 
On this day in 1945 my dad was born into this world. Had he lived, he would have celebrated his 67th birthday today. Almost twenty years ago, in December 1992, he passed away at the age of 47. If the Lord continues to be gracious and merciful in my life, I will turn 41 in a couple of weeks. As I thought of today being dad's birthday, I realized that I am not too much younger than he was when he passed away. His early death was influenced by a very traumatic injury, but I am reminded today that life if brief. 


My wife's grandfather lived beyond 101 years old, but even that is brief when we consider eternity. Each of us are here for a very short time. There are only so many days that we have upon this earth. 


James 4:14 
    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.
 


As we consider the words of Scripture, we are further reminded that our lives are very brief; they are like a vapor or a plume of smoke that appears for a very short time and then it vanishes away, never to be seen again. With such a short life, one eventually has to consider how this life we have been given was lived.  Our world is filled with people of all ages: some have just started living, just a few days old, others have just started to raise a family, many like me have reached middle age, and others are experiencing their senior years. 


Take just a moment to consider your life up until this point. Regardless of where we are in life, none of us know how much time is left. We have no guarantee of another day upon this earth. It is not my intent to depress any who read this post, but rather get us to think about the focus of our lives. It has well been said that yesterday is a spent check, tomorrow is a promissory note, but today is cash in hand, so spend it wisely. How will be spend the day that we have been given? Will we spend it in fullness of life, seeking to serve the Lord and make a profitable contribution to those around us, or will it be spent with little influence or meaning? I know that my life is just a vapor. It is very likely that I am beyond the halfway point already. I want to make my days count for the Lord. I want to live them in light of His holiness, seeking to please Him in all I do. 


If there is something that you have been meaning to get around to, I would suggest you make time and do it! If there is someone that you have been meaning to tell how much you love and appreciate, I would suggest you do it today. If you have a friend or loved one who has yet to come to saving faith in Christ, today is the day to speak to them. They are not guaranteed tomorrow, and you aren't either. That brings to mind another phrase that I have heard many times. "One life will soon be past; only what is done for Christ will last." Life is brief, so let's make today count for the Lord. Let's determine to live each day for the Lord and seek to accomplish His will in each of the days we have left. 


Preacher Chris

Bill Wall link
8/28/2012 02:12:42 am

Brother Chris still enjoying your web site. Trust God is still Blessing at the Church.I truly enjoyed this message this one really touched home. My Father left this life early also age of 54, suffering from Cancer I saw him physically become helpless. However Praise be unto God to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord . Also in a new body that shall never Perish. May God richly Bless you . Bill Wall

Chris Benfield
8/28/2012 03:39:48 am

It is good to hear from you again Brother Bill. I always enjoy talking with you. Thanks for the encouraging words.


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    I am Chris Benfield, pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Boonville, NC. Here you will find some of my thoughts, particularly relating to the church and serving our Lord.                                                   

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