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Ecclesiastes 7:2
Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies — so the living should take this to heart. |
When reading this, the first thought that came to my mind was, "But not everyone lives.” Telling someone that it is better to spend time at funerals seems like a very grim thing to say and especially to do. In all the times that I have asked someone, "What are you doing this weekend?" I have never heard anyone reply, "Well, I think I am going to hang out at a few funerals." People crash weddings and parties but not funerals. Our search for excitement and the rush of adventure drives us to do the things we can while we are still able.
But what about when we aren't able? What happens when our youthfulness fades and the realities of old age begin to set in? (James 4:14) I've never seen anyone sky dive with a walker in their hands or bungee jump with a cane. Is it too early to set our eyes on the realities of tomorrow — today? Investing for retirement is an example. If I wouldn't wait to start investing in my own retirement until I'm 65 years old, why should I wait to start investing in others lives until then? (Proverbs 3:28) I can't take any of my belongings with me. As I continue to grow in my walk with Christ, I am reminded that the value of my life is really only worth the eternal impact that it has on others in Christ (Matthew 5:13). When I take my last step on Earth and my first step in Heaven, the lives of others that were around me will still remain (Psalm 78:6). The torch we carry will only go as far as others carry it when our portion of the race is complete (Psalm 102:18).
Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to run the race! Thank you for your Light that shines in the darkness! Help us to be Kingdom-minded in everything that we do and say. Fan into flames the calling on each of our lives, and help us to shine brighter and brighter until the day that you call us home. In Jesus' mighty name we pray! Amen.
But what about when we aren't able? What happens when our youthfulness fades and the realities of old age begin to set in? (James 4:14) I've never seen anyone sky dive with a walker in their hands or bungee jump with a cane. Is it too early to set our eyes on the realities of tomorrow — today? Investing for retirement is an example. If I wouldn't wait to start investing in my own retirement until I'm 65 years old, why should I wait to start investing in others lives until then? (Proverbs 3:28) I can't take any of my belongings with me. As I continue to grow in my walk with Christ, I am reminded that the value of my life is really only worth the eternal impact that it has on others in Christ (Matthew 5:13). When I take my last step on Earth and my first step in Heaven, the lives of others that were around me will still remain (Psalm 78:6). The torch we carry will only go as far as others carry it when our portion of the race is complete (Psalm 102:18).
Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to run the race! Thank you for your Light that shines in the darkness! Help us to be Kingdom-minded in everything that we do and say. Fan into flames the calling on each of our lives, and help us to shine brighter and brighter until the day that you call us home. In Jesus' mighty name we pray! Amen.