Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…”

Proverbs 27:1 –“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

James 4:14-16 – “…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”  NKJV

We should never allow the Fear of Death to control our lives, but we should always be conscious of our mortality.  Do not understand me to say that you should live every day with the thought of dying as an overriding thought for if you do it will dominate you, control you, paralyze you and eventually shipwreck you.  However, if you live as though you will never die (naturally) you face the danger of becoming complacent and neglect your assignment in life.  There is a balance that we should all strive for.

When I was in High School, death was a reality, albeit something that was relegated to older people although I had seen some of my peers meet that fate.  In Vietnam, death became a more current and visible reality and paralyzed some so they were doomed to meet that fate because they attempted to save their own lives.  In my 30’s and ’40s, death was a reality, but not something I even considered on a personal level.  I was young, strong, and in pursuit of my dreams and destiny.  In my 50’s and 60’s I have once again become conscious of the brevity of life and the need to live every moment as though it could be the last.  It does not dominate my thinking, but it plays a role in the decisions I make.  Being conscious of the reality of natural death creates a desire within my heart to Live and encourages me to savor life.

We will ALL die (naturally) according to Scripture.  We do not know what tomorrow holds and most who meet untimely and sudden death was not expecting it.  Natural life can truly be compared to a ‘vapor’ or a ‘puff of steam’ for even if we live into our 80’s, 90’s or 100’s it is only a wisp of smoke on the eternal clock of God. 

If we are conscious of our mortality without succumbing to the morbidity of dwelling on it in fear, I believe we will be more careful in our decisions, associations, words, deeds, and the life we choose to live.  We will be more conscious of the opportunities to share our faith with others knowing this opportunity might be that person’s last chance to hear.  We will treasure our relationships in a new light and with a new zeal and vigor.  Like the commercial:  “You only go around once in life so grab all the gusto you can…”  I realize it was a beer commercial and not talking about what I am but in a small way it is applicable.  You pass through this life one time and where you are now you have never been before and will never be again so Treasure the Moment and Seize the Opportunities Before You! 

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior having received the forgiveness of sin you are Alive Eternally although this physical tabernacle will perish one day.  As I prayed just the other day, tears welled up in my eyes, and my heart was broken as I sought the Lord in David’s Prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, renew in me a right spirit and do not take the Holy Spirit from me.”  I want to be a vessel the Master can and does use!  I want to fulfill my purposes in my generation!  I want to be a deposit of God in this present world and when my time to depart comes what I leave behind will live in hearts elevating them to greater heights and a fuller life! 

            May God be with you as you go through this day!  LIVE LIFE!   God bless you!