James has been helping us see what it looks like when we allow our relationship with God to drift into complacency. He goes on to tell us how we can be sure that God is an active part of our everyday life.
He starts out by saying, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15)
When it comes to the people we love, we want to be a part of their lives. Did you know that God wants to be a part of your life, not just in heaven, but right now, here on this earth, each and every day?
The reason why this is so important is because eternity is just right around the corner. James is trying to help us view our lives with an eternal perspective. You see, life is generous to some people, but it is limited for all.
In light of eternity, no matter how long you live, life is very short. This life is not all there is. We all walk through this life, and one day, we will all step across the threshold from this life into eternity.
James tells us that it’s going to happen so quickly. It will probably happen sooner than you think. It could happen at any moment. It will take place in the blink of an eye. That awareness ought to make a huge difference in how we live our lives every single day.
When it comes to life here on this earth, we are all just passing through. This is just our temporary home. We are not here to stay. For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, your permanent residence is presently under construction.
So if you expect to be with your heavenly Father throughout all eternity, doesn’t it just make sense that you live your life in the presence of God on a daily basis right now?
Don’t be deceived into thinking that you can leave God out of your life here on this earth, and then spend eternity with him in heaven. Live for God today so you can live with him for all eternity.
You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].