Do you know how much longer you will live? I don’t. Statistically, Americans live about 78 years, more or less depending on demographics. Some are terrified by this thought. Others could care less. Most would rather not think about it. Eventually, all of us will be facing death, whether our own or someone we love. We can’t escape this fact.
The years of our life are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10
Cheating Death?
What about cheating death? Can lengthen my life by eating right, getting plenty of exercise, and vaccinating myself? The bible would tell us, “No.”
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:16
Jesus himself closed that door.
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:227
Yes, there is certainly benefit to a healthy lifestyle but only in the quality of life, not in extending it.
Facing Death
Since we can’t cheat death, we must face it. Indeed, you must do that rather that ignore it. Why? Jesus himself said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” (Matthew 12:36. See also Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10)
How will that go? Not good; not good at all. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)
But there is hope. Only one. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. An this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Number Your Days
Don’t be a fool. All of us are facing death. Pay attention to this stuff. Repent of your life of sin. Walk away from it and never turn back. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12