Making it all Count This Year

I recently read an article about longevity http://qz.com/572284/the-tail-end/ and the potential days we have to live. We all consciously know our days are numbered, but have you ever thought about exactly how many potential days you have?  I thought about this and, at first, it was disturbing.  I don't want to waste whatever days I have left on this earth! I want them to count!

One of the fears in my life has been dying too early.  Now I know that one shouldn't dwell on these thoughts... but, like our new Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, I too had a Dad whose days were numbered young.  And my dad's father died young... His sister... and it goes on.  All genetic causes.  So, from my late teens and early twenties, I was more consciously aware of my mortality than perhaps most my age at that time.  I have made some "life changes" in order to increase my chances of living longer; eating right, exercise, no alcohol or tobacco, wearing my seatbelt, yearly physicals...  Doing everything I thought would lengthen my life.

This year, I pondered what the Bible had to say about long life.  There are plenty of scriptures.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Eph 6:1-2

 I will fulfill the number of your days. Exodus 23:25-26

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;  1 Peter 3:10

The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity.  Isaiah 57:1

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalms 91:16

For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. Proberbs 9:11

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor Prov 3:16

The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. Prov 10:27

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you  Exodus 20:12

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Tim 4:8

And then we all know someone whose life was cut short too early.  And we wondered why God would allow the innocent ones to leave early, while leaving others who do evil.

Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Job 21:7

In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Ecc. 7:15

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.  Eccles. 8:14

And then there is this verse, which implores us to seek understanding and wisdom...

And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 1 Kings 3:11-14

When it's all said and done.  I want my life to count.  We are all given a purpose.  Maybe it is to raise our children well.  If so, then do it well!  Maybe you are one of the quiet ones, who never sought fame, but perhaps it came to you (Mother Theresa).  Use that fame well.  Perhaps you were given much, and much is required of you.  Don't squander it!  If you were given little, it might be that you must work harder to increase your portion, so that you can give AND finish well.  Whatever your lot, or the portion of your days - let's seek understanding and wisdom.

We even have this promise... "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3

This year, I hope to increase the abilities of Mission: Hope to give to several different mission groups.  If you'd like to help in that venture, please feel free to send a check to Mission: Hope c/o Life Church, 4550 NE Palmetto Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957