James 4:14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (NKJV; emphasis mine)
I often find myself running around pursuing some new project, goal or achievement mistakenly thinking that happiness or contentment will be just around the corner of completing something. You know the trap: WHEN I do ___________, THEN _____________.
You know the drill: when I get time, then I’ll study and pray like I should. When I reach a certain level of income, then I’ll be a giver. When I’ve achieved my career goals, then I’ll be able to make time for serving others. When I get right with God, then I’ll be the husband I’m supposed to be. When I get my bills paid off, my new house bought, the new cars taken care of and my retirement fund built up… then I’ll quit forsaking my family and life for the pursuit of money and “stuff”.
As Christ-following servants, we should have a “when-then” mentality – but it’s based on Christ, not Self. When I serve the Lord, then I am complete. When I obey Jesus, then I am whole. When I spend time with Christ, then I am fulfilled. When I give up my life for His, then I have truly found Life. When I live a true Christian life, then I am really living life.
Everyone lives one of two “when-then” options. “When -then” for Self; or “when-then” for Christ. Living “when-then” for self will have you watching your life pass you by with THEN never materializing. Think about it. How many times has “then” ever actually happened if all your “when” conditions are about Self (when I make more money, when I have more time, etc.)? Without Jesus, there are endless “whens”… but “then” never happens.
For the servants of the God whose promises never fail, THEN comes every day. Every time we live a WHEN for Christ, the THEN is instant. That’s real living.
Life is a vapor, a mist. Don’t “when-then for Self” and miss out on life. “When-then” for Christ, and receive real Life, true joy and authentic fulfillment.
Lord, help us to live our life for You and not ourselves. Help us to know that only in You is true contentment and fulfillment found: rich, overflowing and abundant fulfillment. In Jesus name, Amen.
James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)
- What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
- What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
- What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?