Life’s Too Short?

It’s a saying that we’ve all heard countless times. The meaning behind the phrase is normally that we need to enjoy ourselves now because our life here on earth will soon be over. The phrase is decidedly secular and often accompanies destructive tendencies such as lusts and materialistic pleasures. Should I buy another pack of cigarettes? Yeah, life’s too short! Should I buy that car I’ve been thinking about getting on credit? Oh go on then, life’s too short! Should I hook up with that girl I like even though she’s married? And so on…

But I want to flip this saying on it’s head and say in retaliation; eternity is very long! Yes I’m being a spoilsport, and if you could know the life I lived before I became a Christian you might argue that I have no right to preach about this. But coming to know Jesus as He is revealed in the Holy Scriptures has transformed the way I think about our life on earth, and crucially, our life after death.

Our Lord said we should strive to “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13) This is a stark warning, and when I read this scripture it gives me a kick up the backside in terms of my spiritual life, and leads me to ask “what must I do in this life to prepare for the infinitely longer life after death?”

I don’t think there’s a straightforward answer to this question, but I believe all we need to know is contained within the pages of Scripture. The Holy Bible is God’s revelation concerning all that’s important for us to know in order to live a godly life. And I have found that the more I study Scripture and come to understand my life in context, the more I find fulfilment in my relationship with God, and the less I feel the tendency to make destructive decisions with the justification that life’s too short.

If we can nurture an attitude that keeps eternity in mind we will live more happily and soberly during our earthly lives and also prepare for the infinitely longer life to come. Why not make this year the year you focus on what’s truly important and open your mind to the God of the universe who is standing at the door to your heart and knocking?