THE BREVITY OF LIFE

The brevity of life is a common salient biblical truth that teaches us that life is short and fleeting, and that we should use our time wisely to serve God and others. As the apostle James writes, “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.” (James 4:14, KJV). This passage reminds us that our lives are temporary and that we should not take them for granted.

Through the Bible however, the brevity of life is often contrasted with the eternal nature of God. While our lives are short, God is eternal and unchanging. This contrast highlights the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and that reflects his character. One way to think about the brevity of life is to consider how we spend our time. Are we using our time to pursue things that are temporary and fleeting, or are we investing our time in things that have eternal significance? As the apostle Paul writes, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Job also said in the book of Job 7:6; "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle and are spent without hope." This verse compares the brevity of life to the swift movement of a weaver's shuttle, highlighting the transient nature of our existence. Moreover, Matthew 6:19-20 is saying - " Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." This verse encourages us to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary worldly possessions, reminding us that life on Earth is short-lived.

Ultimately, the brevity of life should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. We should seek to make the most of the time we have, fear God, obey His word, using our gifts and talents to serve others and to bring glory to God. As the psalmist writes, "LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am…so teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalms 39:4; 90:12 KJV).

In light of the sacred principles of holy living, contemplation should be unwaveringly directed toward divine priorities. In essence, decisions must be discerned based on spiritual significance. Frivolous matters are unworthy of the sacred resources of time and energy; only pursuits that hold eternal value and consequence merit devout consideration.

Living with the consciousness that life on Earth is fleeting, irrespective of its duration, is imperative. Even if one's earthly journey spans numerous years, the temporal nature of existence underscores the brevity of time. Acknowledging this finite reality should prompt a continual reevaluation of priorities, urging individuals to invest each moment with spiritual gain. Yet, achieving this state of mindful living remains a formidable challenge, even for those grounded in faith. The struggle to cast aside the inconsequential in favor of the essential is real. Human inclinations lean towards the ephemeral and the novel, captivated by the allure of the present moment. Regrettably, thoughts of eternity often take a backseat. Such a life, preoccupied with transient pleasures, is deemed unwise from a sacred perspective.