Readings for today: Judges 1:1-2:9, Luke 21:29-22:13, Psalms 90-91, Proverbs 13:24-25
The ancient Greeks believed there was a time when every human being knew the day of their own death. But then Prometheus gave humanity the gift of fire which completely transformed the way they lived. They began to aspire for more. Fire helped them develop technology which in turn helped them achieve their aspirations. And slowly but surely, they lost sight of their mortality and began to see themselves as gods.
Not much has changed. Humanity still chases immortality. Still believes the original lie that we can be like God. In our pride and arrogance, we do what is right in our own eyes. We live largely for ourselves. Our goal is instant gratification. We’ve completely lost sight of our own mortality. We no longer live with our end in mind.
The Psalmist writes, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalms 90:12) Remind us that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. Remind us how truly brief and insignificant the span of our lives are on this earth when compared with the sweep of eternity. Remind us of our limits. Our finitude. Our fragility. Humble us that we may gain a heart of wisdom. And what is wisdom according to Scripture? The fear of the Lord.
When you look back at the end of your life, what do you hope to see? What do you hope to accomplish? What is your definition of a life “well-lived?” Does it have anything to do with Christ and His Kingdom? I engage these conversations all the time as a pastor. I cannot tell you the number of times I have sat at the bedside of someone who is dying only to have them share with me all their regrets. Too much time at the office. Too much time spent in trivial pursuits. Too much bitterness and anger towards those they love. Too much selfishness and greed. It is heartbreaking.
But what if we lived with our end in mind? What if we approached every day like it were our last? What if we approached every conversation like it was the final one we may have with that person? What if we approached every situation like it was our last opportunity to bring blessing? What if we approached every dollar like it was the final one we would ever spend? I imagine it would create some dramatic change in our lives. So let me encourage you to ask God to teach you to number your days. To know your limits. To come to grips with your morality. To live with your end in mind. This is the path to wisdom. This is the path to life well-lived.
Readings for tomorrow: Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalms 92-93, Proverbs 14:1-2