Psalm 144:3-4 Lord, what are human beings that you care for them,
    mere mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath;
    their days are like a fleeting shadow.

This thought is expressed in various places throughout the Bible, and it is used in Latin as memento mori, which means, remember you are mortal. Our human flesh is mortal, which is why the promise of resurrection in Christ is so earth-shaking. Some people twist the idea of mortality into hedonism, saying YOLO, you only live once, and doing whatever their flesh desires. That is actually very sad, and it makes sense only if this life is all we have. However, the Bible makes it very clear that’s not the case. John 3:16 is famous for good reason! Our lives on this planet are to be enjoyed, by God’s grace, but we must remember that they are a training ground, a preparation for eternity. Knowing our Creator and learning to walk in fellowship with Him is the highest purpose and goal of every human life, but the devil does all he can to hide that truth from us. He is destined for eternity in hell, and he wants to take as many people as possible with him, precisely because he knows that we are precious to God and he wants to deprive God of us. The best way to resist the devil is to choose to submit to God and listen to Him obediently, just as James said. (James 4:7) When we do that, our brief lives on this planet take on glorious meaning, and death is an insignificant bump in the road.

Two things drive this home to me at the moment. The first is the birth of our great-granddaughter last month, and the second is the one-year memorial service that will be held later this month for a close friend of the family. One is just beginning the adventure of life, and the other closed out a long and fruitful life a year ago, and is being lovingly remembered. (He had a small, private funeral, but he had blessed a great many people, and they wanted to express their love and have closure.) I have had many excellent examples in my life, people to be emulated, starting with my own parents. I would be happy if people remember me that way, but far more important is the opinion of the God I serve, with whom I will spend eternity. I want Him to be glad of my presence, as I am glad of His even now. I also want to take as many people as possible with me, to enjoy God’s grace and glory together. That’s the mirror of the devil’s attitude, and I don’t like yielding anything or anyone to him!

Father, thank You for this reminder. May I live today and each day in this awareness, so that I will be continuously available to You, for You to do whatever You like through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!