Having The Time Of Our life
Usually the idea of “having the time of our life” is associated with a period of fun, gaiety, intense enjoyment, or something of that nature. Sadly, many who claim to be having the “time of their lives” are spending their lives with a focus on the physical. In Ephesians 2:3 the Spirit directed the apostle Paul to remind those brethren their past consisted of “fulfilling the desires of the flesh”, and during that time, they were “by nature the children of wrath”. Is such an existence to be considered the “time of our life”? How will this end?
Another group that had a sordid past was the church in Corinth. We read in 1Corinthians 6:9-11a that the past lives of the brethren there were lived in an effort to fulfill various lusts of the flesh. In that same passage, they were told that those who have such a focus “shall not inherit the kingdom of God”. Thankfully, the recipients of that letter had been “washed” (baptized into Christ), and when they did so, were “sanctified” (set apart), and “justified” (be rendered innocent) by the blood of Christ.
All Christians should be regularly reminded that everyone lived “according to the flesh” prior to obeying the gospel. This is true regardless of the degree of the sin in the life of the individual. Romans 8:5-13 makes this abundantly clear. In this life, one either lives “after the flesh” or “after the Spirit”. There is no middle ground. Romans 8:6 shows the eternal outcome of living each type of life. Also, one need not be a “vile sinner” to be lost. James 4:17 tells us that if we know what is “good” to do, and fail, or refuse to do it, we have sinned. Sin separates man from God, so man should do all he can to not sin.
But this does not mean Christians must live a less that enjoyable life. One who is a faithful member of the body of Christ truly enjoys a life in service to God. The “time of their life” is spent preparing for what follows this life. Perhaps if more people would consider where the “time of their lives” as the world defines it leads, they might begin to question what this life is all about.
What is life truly about? Why are we granted “time” in this realm? This is the greatest question of life. We need to be reminded that our time on this earth is temporary. It is not our entire existence. Even Methuselah, who according to Genesis 5:24, lived nine hundred-sixty-nine years, had a limited time on earth. Many others also lived a long life, but even these lives were not permanent. This was when man was populating the whole earth. We are then told in Genesis 6:3 that the average lifespan was reduced to about a hundred and twenty years. After this, in Psalm 90:10, we see that number condensed to “threescore years and ten”, or seventy years. Even here we are told that though we may exceed this span, life “is soon cut off, and we fly away.” In James 4:14, the New Testament reminds us of the brevity of life as life is described as a “vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
So, what are we to do with our “brief” stint on earth? In James 4:13, just before being warned that life is fleeting, we are told our time here is not only about earthly increase. 1Timothy 6:6-7 tells us that that true gain is about godliness, and that none of the things we amass while we sojourn here can be taken with us beyond this life. For some, the “time of their life” is all about narcissism, or self-admiration in one form or another. Surely this is not to be our purpose in life, as Jesus taught in Matthew 16:24 all are to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Him. We are also taught in Matthew 6:5 this life is not for the goal of being noticed by others. In fact, He said that those who make it their function in life to be seen by men have already received their reward. Therefore, the purpose of our time here must be to address our spiritual needs. God has provided for this if we will follow His Word.
The “time of our lives” should be about preparing for our existence after our period of existence in this realm. This does not mean we must abandon our pursuit of “good days”. 1Peter 3:10-11 informs that loving life and good days will cause one to control their lips and tongue, shun evil, and follow after peace. In Hebrews 12:14, the recipients of that letter were reminded of the life-time commitment they made to God upon their obedience to the gospel. If they wanted to “see the Lord” they were to “follow peace and holiness” with all men. This applies to all “children of God” as Romans 14:17-18 shows. All who follow these things in this life are “acceptable to God and approved of men.” To “follow peace” is not to “just get along”, but to obey the gospel and faithfully serve God in this life. Why is this so important?
This is of utmost importance because Hebrews 9:27, says everyone granted time on this earth has an appointment with death. At the conclusion of all things, per 2Thessalonians 1:8, God will take vengeance in flaming fire on all that know not God, and obey not the gospel. The “time of our life” is given so we might have the chance to obey as God has commanded. In every dispensation of time, God has granted man time to make the choice as to how to spend the “time of their life”. Perhaps the best way to describe the way one is to “have the time of their life” is expressed by God Himself in the Words given to Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:13: If we “fear God and Keep His Commandments”, Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says we can have the time of our lives here as we prepare to spend eternity with Him over there. “enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21b
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
