“. . .For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
James 4:14b
It’s the soul-searching Question of the ages.
“For what is your life?”
Spiritual introspection. An honest assessment of who we are, what we’re doing and where we’re headed. A realization of the fact that our lives are only a tiny blip on the Radar of eternity, but still a blip nonetheless. . .created in God’s image. . .unique in identity and calling.
And, when it’s all said and done, our days here are short-lived. Like the mist that rises up from the earth in early morning. Or, the dew that clings to the grass like tiny diamonds greeting the morning sun and soon evaporates away. Or, the steam that rises from the kettle on the stove as the water within nears the boiling point.
That’s why we are to “number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:12); otherwise, we’ll end up as Judas did—the “son of perdition/waste” (Jn. 17:12).
So, stop right now and ask yourself “For what is my life? What is my life’s purpose? Priorities? Passion? Pursuit? Is it ‘knowing Him’ (Phil. 3:10a)? Is it ‘seeking His Kingdom and righteousness’ (Mt. 6:33)? Is it loving Him with every fiber of my being?”
Tough questions for sure.
Yea, painfully tough questions.
But, do not let the despair over your answers discourage or deter you from falling down at His Feet and crying, “Oh Lord, have Mercy on me”—for He has already promised to give it (Heb. 4:16; Lam. 3:21-23).
Today is the only day we’re promised, Pilgrim.
It’s a blank check of 24 hours. And, it’s up to us as to how it’ll be invested. Will we, like the prodigal son, “waste it with riotous living” (Lk. 15:13b) in pursuit of the world’s fool gold? Or, will we invest it in eternity. . .for the Glory of God. . .knowing He’ll “direct our paths as we trust Him with all of our heart and don’t rely upon our own understanding” (Prov. 3:5-6)?
Even now, in the quietness of this morning, do you hear the Spirit’s Voice asking, “For what is your life? What will you do with what I’ve given you—your talents, abilities, resources, etc.?” Even more, what will you do with Me?”
Our answer reveals our direction and destiny.
Someone once wrote, “One ship sails west and another sails east with the self-same winds that blow; it’s the set of the sails and not the gales that determines which way they will go.” So true, so true.
So, which way are your sails set, Pilgrim? Toward Christ? If so, pray “Blow O Breath of God;” if not, do not rest until they are—for your time here is short, eternity is now and a Day of Reckoning draws near.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 26, 2010
