A Winter’s Breath – Then Gone!

It is a cold winter’s day in late December, and you are talking outside to a friend about nothing in particular. As often happens in cold weather you can “see your breath”, like you needed something to remind you that it is a bitter cold day, right? As your words drift off into the evening air, so does the vapor cloud that accompanies them. Whether the words are the nonchalance of a casual comment or filled with passion, the vapor cloud vanishes as quickly as it appears.  

The Apostle James in chapter 4 verse 14 uses this simple illustration to remind us that our lives are like that vapor cloud. It appears for a little while then vanishes as soon as it arrives. James addresses this warning to the rich who think they are in control of their own destiny. They make great plans to travel to a city, stay as long as they like, and make money to their heart’s content.  

But it is not only the rich who need to heed this admonition. None of us knows for sure what a day may bring. Our lives can change drastically in a moment, a solemn diagnosis, a tragic phone call, or a bad decision in traffic can alter our lives, never to be the same again. Since this is true, how should we live? 

Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33) And “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s will find it.” (Mathew 16:25) This is wisdom, men, from our Creator and Lord. Will you receive it?  

One way leads to abundant life here on earth and eternal life in heaven. The other way leads to meaninglessness here on earth and eternal death after physical death. If you know that what I am saying is true, why not tell God right now that you receive His gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection for you, then give Him the rest of your life. He can be trusted to take care of it and return it to you full and overflowing.