Jonathan Edwards said something similar to “Live until you die.” Those are not his words but mine. Since there is nothing new under the sun according to the writer of Ecclesiastes, those words might not even be mine. Nevertheless, the statement is solid.
Rudy GrayToo many of us give up, give out, or give in before life is over.
We know that it is appointed unto a man once to die, but we do not know when or even how. Death is a certainty we cannot escape. It is a reality we live with, even when we choose not to think about it. Death is certain, but so is life in Christ. We can live life rather than just floating through life. Live for the glory of God. Live to obey his word and honor his name. Live allowing the Spirit of God to work through you – but live until you die.
The father of a demon-possessed son in Mark 9 asked the disciples for help. They failed. They had cast out demons in the power of God in Mark 6, but in Mark 9 they could not do it. Their lack of power was directly connected to a lack of faith. In the midst of this scenario in Mark 9, the boy’s dad said to Jesus, “I believe. Help my unbelief.” That sounds like a contradiction, or at best a paradox. However, it was an honest confession from this man. The disciples could identify with that confession of faith and affirmation of unbelief. They had experienced it. So have we.
We live in a world that still lies under the curse of sin. That condition affects everybody and everything. Nothing is exempt. Good things often happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to bad people, and good things happen to good people. Regardless of what is going on around us, our daily call is to live life. Following Jesus demands that much, and more, from us.
Healthy people learn to live in “day tight” compartments. You can plan for tomorrow, but you cannot live it today. You can remember yesterday, but you cannot live it today. You can live today. By living one day at a time, you create a life that has both influence and impact.
The economy may alarm you. The direction of government may concern you. The social evils we face may seem to overwhelm you. What can we do? Follow Christ. Live each day until we die.
We certainly do not know what a day may bring forth. We can trust the One who is in control of the days. Augustine probably had it right many years ago: “Trust God and do as you please.” If we can ever get the first part of that statement right, the rest is easy!
Love God today. Love his people. You and I will do neither of those until we are committed to living until we die – one day at a time.