"Only one life: will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." ~ C.T. Studd
As I have gone about my day today, I have really been thinking about what it means to be another year older. I have found that it is not the extra weight I have put on, the fine lines forming on my face, or the increasing nearness of my thirtieth birthday that concerns me. Though I may joke, I am not worried about aging, or the number that represents my age. In fact, I think aging is a beautiful thing that God designed to make us yearn, with greater urgency, for heaven. The question that has burdened my heart today is: What have I done with the twenty-eight years God has given me?
I have definitely enjoyed my share of "earthly" accomplishments, but as C.T. Studd says, "Only what's done for Christ will last." So, I must ask myself, am I using my years wisely--to the glory of God? Is my mind set on earthly things, or am I living as though my citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
There is nothing I desire more, than to hear my Savior say, "Well done my good and faithful servant. . .enter into the joy of your Lord," but it is so easy to get caught up in the entrapments of this world . . .storing up treasures on earth, rather than heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). For this reason, I must must purpose to run to the foot of the cross daily and lay down my life.
C.S. Lewis said, "If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next." In the coming year, I want to live my life for the next [life]. On this day, I have been offered a new year; a fresh start. Only God knows the number of my days (Psalm 139:16), but I pray that I may live out the rest of my days in a manner that reflects my longing to glory in my redeemer face to face.