“For What Is Your Life?”
by Micky Galloway
A short time ago, we buried a friend and brother in Christ, brother Richard Burges. He was a mild mannered man who in his latter years lived in the Antelope Valley Convalescent Center. He often spoke of spiritual things, was concerned about the spiritual well being of others. He busied himself passing out Bible tracts, talking to others about attending worship and making hand written copies of this bulletin, “I Press” as a means to study and occupy his time with something he believed was profitable. Preaching his memorial service was a difficult task, because I personally was hurting at the loss of a friend. Moreover, it was difficult because there were many assembled who needed to think more of spiritual things and should that day have been their day to depart this life, perhaps they would not have been prepared. I suppose the older we become the more likely we are to reflect on the accomplishments of our lives and ask, “What have I really done with my life or what is the purpose of my life?” Certainly, the worth of our lives is measured by more than mere existence or human accomplishments. Human life must be measured in terms of preparation and service.
Life is a gift from God. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). Since God has given us life is it unreasonable to think that we are responsible to God for the way we live it? The wise man wrote, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). God desires that we use our lives to magnify and glorify our creator. Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Life is a time for preparation. The Hebrew writer said, “And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27). We are to live our lives in preparation to meet God. In Old Testament times Israel was commanded, “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12). Yes, there is a great day coming. Will you be ready for that day? Some in the first century thought they had an indefinite period of time to prepare. However, the apostle Peter reminded them that time did not change the promise of God. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief…” (II Peter 3:9-10). There will be no advance notice. Will you be ready for that great day? Only through Jesus Christ can we prepare to meet God (John 14:6). Only through Jesus Christ can we prepare to meet God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Life is a time for building. Every responsible individual is building on either the solid rock or on the sinking sand (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). This challenges us all to examine our foundation. Man cannot build a strong life on a weak foundation. If all you teach and practice comes from God's word then your are building on the right foundation. It is essential that “every man take heed how he buildeth” (cf. I Corinthians 3:10). To build a life based upon the proper foundation is to conscientiously abstain from the sins that God forbids, and to perform the duties that He requires. Our thoughts and affections, our words and actions, the temper of our minds, and the very tenor of our lives, must be conformed to the gospel of Christ. The wise builder is the man who “heareth these words of mine, and doeth them.”
Life is a time for war. No, this is not a political campaign, but there is no place in our lives for neutrality. Satan is a formidable foe described as a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). Jesus warned, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other, ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24; Cf. Matthew 12:30). In an environment where compromise is so prevalent, it is time we shouted with Moses, “Who is on the Lord's side?” (Exodus 32:26 KJV). Who will respond as the numerous prophets of old, “Here am I.” Among the greatest threats to God's people today are a lack of conviction, a lack of militancy and a failure to recognize anything as wrong or anyone as the enemy. We put on the cloak of compromise and pretend that there is little or no distinction between truth and error. This is to our shame. Let us arise and, “Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal” (I Timothy 6:12).
Life is a time for choices. Our most important choice is whether or not we will serve God. Paul asked the saints in Rome, “Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness” (Romans 6:16). Joshua called upon the children of Israel, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house we will serve Jehovah” (Joshua 24:15). We must use Matthew 6:33 to guide us in every choice we make in this life. “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Indeed, after this life we will choose no more.
Finally, life is a vapor. “For what is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). “So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom” (Psalms 90:12). The clock of life is only wound once. Time that is past can never be restored. We do not know when the hands will be still.
Let us live, love and toil with a determined will, for one day this life will end and we will stand before the Creator of heaven and earth and give an account of how we have lived.