Psalm 39:6-7 (NIV): Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”
A person’s life only has value as it relates to God and to eternity. As Paul wrote, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV) Our life spans are so short (though that was not always so), that the little we can accomplish in the worldly realm is seemingly insignificant. The man of this world who conquers lands and builds nations is soon gone, his vision is not captured by his successors, and all that he worked for soon falls to dust. Look at the ruins of cities that were once the glory of mighty kings, whose very names have been forgotten. This is the fate of all worldly fame, all material wealth and success.
But God did not make mankind to be limited to material efforts. The core of a person will live forever, no matter who that person is. Those who are actively living in righteous relationship with God will live with Him and serve Him for all eternity. Those who are living for themselves, in rebellion against God and against His revealed will, will live for all eternity separated from Him. He is the only source of eternal life; the only hope for mankind’s infinite survival. Those who seek immortality need look no farther than Him, because He is the eternal God, and all who remain in Him through Jesus will have eternal life.
Father, thank You for the love that You show, for the life that You give. Father, I need no greater blessing than to know You; to see Your face, and to hear Your voice every day; to be guided by Your hand, so that I can make a difference in the hearts and lives of those around me. Help me today to love You more passionately, to follow You more closely, and to serve You more effectively. Amen.