Our heavenly Father made us a lot of promises, but tomorrow is not one of them. No matter how secure our current stance might be, vulnerability says it can change without notice. If we think we’re invincible, we had better think again. All flesh is vulnerable; God created us that way with good reason.
Now, that doesn’t mean we’re to live in fear of life’s uncertainties; but what it does mean we should live humbly, graciously, and purposefully before our Lord. And since vulnerability puts us all on the same playing field, we should treat each other with compassion and respect.
Our lives are like vapor that vanishes in the air.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more (Psalm 103:14-16).
Would we change the way we live our lives if we thought today was the container of our last breath? I believe we would get really smart fast and not allow the “stupid” stuff rule: prejudices, unforgiveness, greed, offenses, and such.
One imaginary day:
Let’s suppose for a moment we knew this was our last day on earth, and we weren’t going to be held accountable for all our ungodly past behaviors—only judged on today’s actions. Do you think we would have a problem treating people of all races with kindness and respect? Do you think cheating and deceiving others would still override common decency? Do you think we would be able to distinguish hypocrisy from sincerity if we were only going to be judged on today’s performance? I think you get my point.
This one imaginary day should tell us how we should be living our vulnerable lives every day.
How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of our lives is as uncertain as the morning fog—now you see it; soon it is gone (James 4:14, LAB).
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.
© 2021
(LAB) Life Application Bible copyright © 1988 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189.