The Frailty of Life

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14 KJV)

When one sees a box with the words “fragile” printed on it there is a certain amount of care that is given to that particular box because the contents of that box is something that is precious and must be handled with care. Perhaps, you have received a package in the mail that was marked “fragile” only to open the package and realize that the proper care was not given during the shipping process and the contents of that package is in pieces when it should not be. As we go through life, we give special attention to things that are precious and fragile, we give special attention to ensure that items of value do not get damaged, but how much care and attention is given to our lives? Life is precious. We all only have a certain amount of time on this earth and after life is finished, as the Scriptures teach, “as its appointed unto man once to die” (Heb. 9:27). James writes, “what is your life? It is even as a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Because life is short, and the chance of survival is zero, it should be handled with great care, but many will live their lives as if it will never end.

If there is any statement that could be said about the certainty of life it is that life is uncertain. Our lives are filled with uncertainties. A young person may wonder if they will find the person they will marry, a person may wonder if they will receive a promotion at work, and the list of things that make us wonder go on and on. Life is an adventure, filled with many uncertainties, but we must never take life for granted, thinking that another day is promised. James reminds us of this fact as he writes, “ye know not what shall be on the morrow.” How many can say with all confidence that the sun will go down in the evening and rise again the next morning? Meteorologist attempt to predict the weather based on weather patterns but they cannot say with all assurance that their predictions are fool proof. No one can know for sure if the sun will rise in the morning but can only say based upon how things have happened in the past and if the Lord wills then we expect something to happen as it always has. James helps us to understand that life is uncertain. Our health is not a guarantee, money will come and go, loved ones will pass away, and the security of being able to work and provide for ourselves will be taken away as we become older and our bodies and abilities will deteriorate. In all of these uncertainties there is hope because of a few things that are certain. It is certain that life will end, that God will provide, after life is over Judgment will take place, and eternity awaits after the Judgment.

Since life is uncertain, and it will certainly come to an end, we must understand the true meaning of life. James asks, “What is your life?”. A literal translation of that phrase is “What kind of life are you living?”. Knowing that tomorrow is uncertain, what are you doing today? There are many that are living their lives without thought of the meaning of life or how they are living their lives, and worst of all the are unaware (so it seems) that life will soon come to a screeching halt. Why is it that church buildings seem to have fewer people in them than they once did? Why are more acts of violence, obscenity, and immoral acts taking place in the world today? Why have people stopped being concerned with doing what is right and are now concerned with doing what feels good? Perhaps the answer to these questions is because people have the mentality now that they are able to call the shots, they are the boss, they can do whatever they desire whenever they desire and no one is going to stop them from doing as their hearts desire, and doing all of this they have no thought about what is going to happen if tomorrow does not come. If we knew for a fact that the Judgment Day was going to take place at 7:30 p.m. how many people would delay until 7:29 to obey the Lord’s commands? Because life is uncertain, the decision must be made each day to live the kind of life that is pleasing to God. Solomon wrote the conclusion of the whole matter, stating the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecc. 12:13). Man’s meaning in life is to serve God and keep His commands. The meaning of life is not wealth, fame, possessions, etc. but the true meaning in life is to be in Jesus Christ and be a faithful follower of His in order to be saved when this uncertain life is over. We have a “living hope” in Christ and are able to receive “all spiritual blessings” in Christ (Eph. 1:3), therefore we must be baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:27). Life is uncertain but the meaning of life is found in serving Jesus Christ.

The reason we must find the meaning of life is because it is short. James says our lives are nothing more than vapors. Some have said that a vapor is nothing more than a breath that is exhaled. Others have compared a vapor to smoke from a candle when it is blow out, which does not last very long. The Bible reminds us of the brevity of life. It is appointed to every person to die (Heb. 9:27). Methuselah is the oldest person recorded in Scripture, living 969 years, and many say that he was the oldest person to ever live, but he was also the oldest person to die. Job stated that man that is born is of few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1), and also stated that his days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle (Job 7:6). Solomon recorded there is a time to be born and a time to die (Ecc. 3:2). Life is short but we must remember after this life is over, we will all face the Judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). Just as certain as death is, so also is the Judgment, and on that day, we will be judged according to the things that we have done in this life (John 5:28-29).

No one knows how much time they have left to live. What is your life? What kind of life are you living? Life is a vapor that is going to vanish. Now is the time to prepare, obey the commands of God, have a living hope in Jesus, and be ready when the Judgment Day comes.