By Tyler Collins, March 15, 2024

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” ¹⁴ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone (James (4:13-14, NLT). 

The Scriptures tell us that our lives are like a vapor – it is here today and gone tomorrow. Reflecting on the brevity of life and the short time we are given can be sobering and lead to a heart of humility. When unsure of how much time we have, it should lead to our eyes focusing on eternity. 

Paul reminded the Christians in Philippi that their citizenship was not with any country or kingdom on earth but instead with the kingdom of heaven (Philippians 3:20). This means the time we invest on earth should aim to pay dividends in eternity, the kingdom of heaven. 

The filter through which we, as Christ’s followers, should decide is: “What impact will our choice have on eternity?” Ephesians 5:10-11 encourages the believer to determine what pleases the Lord and do that carefully.  Paul continues the thought by saying, “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them” (Ephesians 5:11 NLT).  To invest and use our time in a way that honors the Lord requires careful observation of what is right, those actions which please God; and what is wrong, the worthless deeds. 

The age in which we live makes it easy to waste time by participating in worthless deeds. Instead, we would do well to be intentional in choosing to do those things that please our Lord.  

Here are a few questions to reflect on. What worthless deeds are you currently participating in that do not have an eternal impact? Where do you need to repent and seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)?