The infinite ability of man is constantly reinforced in our culture. We are convinced that there is no disease that cannot be conquered. We are sure that we can “boldly go where no man has gone before” in our search for the elusive “fountain of youth.” We wish to be the masters of our own destinies in an arrogant effort to avoid, delay, or even prevent our inevitable appointment with “the last enemy” (I Corinthians 15:26).
What a jolt it is to our reality then, when we consider the haunting chorus from a spiritual song largely unknown to present generations:
As the life of a flow’r,
As a breath, or a sigh,
So the years glide away,
And alas, we must die.
Written by Laura E. Newell, and set to music by G.H. Ramsey, As The Life Of A Flower brings us face to face with the fact that death and decay are inevitable. There is, “a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). All the health food one may eat, the exercises one may do, and the medications one may take will not change this. “As in Adam all die” (I Corinthians 15:22). “Death spread to all men” (Romans 5:12) because of sin. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Given this, how should one properly approach life?
Recognize the brevity of life. Job understood this and said, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle . . . my life is a breath” (Job 7:6-7). He noted, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower, and fades away; He flees like a shadow, and does not continue” (Job 14:1-2). Not all of us will have the opportunity to die “in a good old age . . .full of years” (Genesis 25:8). Regardless of when we may die all must recognize that, at its best, life is brief.
Recognize the uncertainty of life. We cannot control circumstances in life. We, “do not know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14a). Not many of us will go through life unscathed and unencumbered for, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). At its best life is unpredictable. It is no wonder then, that we are commanded to, “Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15, 16).
Recognize the focus of life. Solomon said, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). In a culture where most chase money, status, and pleasure, all should endeavor to, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). It is no wonder then that Moses said, “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).
Recognize the destiny of life. All of us are going somewhere. Each of us has an ultimate destination. We make the choices that determine that eternal destination. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14). One must look for that way in order to find it. One must remain on that one way in order to arrive at that blessed destination.
You cannot change your mortality but you can prepare for the judgment day to come (Acts 17:30, 31). In becoming a Christian and living faithfully you then can trust God to carry you through death, and welcome you into His presence for all eternity. After all, “this is the promise which He has promised us—eternal life” (I Jn. 2:25).
Mark Hanstein