What is your life?

 



 Series Introduction

Many of us recall the old reality TV series called, “This is Your Life” starring Ralph Edwards as the host. Each week, celebrities would be brought on and people from their past would appear and share an anecdote about that individual. Perhaps a third-grade teacher, a football coach, or a boss from their first job.

It's heartfelt memories and shared experiences of friends and family. The bible asks a very poignant question in Jas. 4:14, what is your life? Here’s a brief answer to this question...

 

Four Aspects of Your Life

It’s a gift from God. James writes, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17) We should be thankful every day as we wake up that God has given us another day to live.

 

It’s a target for the Devil. As Peter warns, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). There are so many temptations in the world and we must be on our guard, daily, to avoid falling into his snare. Paul warns us about Satan’s devices in 2 Cor. 2:11.

 

It’s preparation for Eternity. As Jesus states, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23) It our obedience to God that will get us prepared for eternity in Heaven. Regular bible study helps us further exercise ourselves towards godliness (1 Tim. 4:7).

 

It’s temporary. As James writes, Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15). People put too much emphasis on plans for months or years down the road. You should focus more on the Here and Now.

 

Conclusion

In our next few articles, we’ll explore each of these aspects in greater detail. Our following series will answer the question, Who Am I? If you have any questions, comments, or even article suggestions, feel free to comment below.

 

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