The Gift of Today

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 (NIV)

Twenty years ago, country artist Tim McGraw released the song "Live Like You Were Dying" (lyrics). The song tells the story of a man who, after receiving life-changing news, decides to live life more fully. He lists experiences like skydiving, mountain climbing, and riding a bull. He also emphasizes the importance of loving deeper, speaking sweeter, and giving forgiveness. The overarching message is to live each day as if it were your last.

Today's verse illustrates that we can’t count on our tomorrows. I’m not trying to bring you down or telling you not to plan for your tomorrows with joy. We shouldn’t walk around like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, gloomy and pessimistic with our heads hung low. No, the message in this verse is to embrace with gladness this day God has given us. James continues in his advice, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15 NIV)

I’m not suggesting that you go skydiving, mountain climbing, or riding a bull (named Fumanchu). But we must be spiritually prepared for that eventuality at all costs. As my dear recently departed friend Randy described God, we will all meet the Big Man Upstairs someday. I have not yet had this face-to-face encounter. Still, I can imagine when I stand before God, reviewing what I’ve done with my life, He is not likely to care how many hours I spent streaming episodes of my favorite show on Netflix, nor how many posts I’ve made on Facebook, nor my number of Tweets. Instead, he will be interested in the harm I’ve prevented, the good I’ve done, and my relationship with Him.

Living with the awareness that our time is finite can motivate us to prioritize what truly matters. Instead of focusing on the mundane or the transient, we should strive to leave a positive impact on those around us and nurture our relationship with God. Every day is an opportunity to live more fully, love more deeply, and serve more faithfully.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude for the gift of life and the precious moments You grant us. Help us live purposefully each day and seek Your will in all we do. Teach us to love more deeply, speak kindly, and forgive more readily. Guide our steps and fill our hearts with Your wisdom, so that we may live in a way that honors You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim