“The days of man on earth are numbered,” the preacher declared with solemn conviction. His voice rang with a truth many know but few truly consider. From the moment we are born, the clock begins to tick, not backwards, but forward, counting down to an appointed time only known to God.
This reality is not meant to frighten us, but to awaken us. To shake us out of complacency and ignite within us a burning desire to live intentionally, not just exist. Because, as the English poet James Shirley so beautifully wrote: “Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.”
What will remain when our time on earth is over? Our status? Our bank accounts? Our accolades? No. All these will fade like a vapour. But our righteous deeds, acts of love, faithfulness, truth, and justice, will rise like incense before God and remain a sweet memory to the world we leave behind.
The Deceptive Joy of Birthdays
Every year, we celebrate birthdays with balloons, cake, laughter, and dancing. It’s a time to be joyful, surrounded by those we love. But behind the glitter and celebration lies an often-ignored truth: with each passing birthday, we inch closer to the grave. It’s a paradox, celebration and countdown, joy and journey to an end.
God, in His infinite wisdom, has assigned each person a specific number of days. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” wrote the psalmist in Psalm 90:12.
But how often do we truly pause to number our days? How often do we reflect on the sobering truth that every sunrise is one less in our earthly account?
Death Wears a Silent Smile
Death is not loud. It doesn’t scream or announce its presence. It whispers. It waits. It smiles quietly, knowing that its appointment cannot be cancelled. It doesn’t care whether you’re rich or poor, old or young, ready or unprepared.
And yet, we live as though we have forever. We make plans for ten, twenty years ahead, forgetting that we do not even control the next minute. We chase pleasures, ignore convictions, and treat sin like a companion instead of a disease.
But let me ask you a piercing question: If God told you today that you had only five years left to live, what would you do differently? Would you continue in that toxic habit? Would you still hold onto that unforgiveness? Would you live so casually, wasting precious hours on things that have no eternal value? If the answer is “No,” then why wait? Why not change now, while you still have breath?
When the Master Calls
The Bible tells us in Matthew 24:44: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Life is not a rehearsal. There are no rewinds or do-overs. We are all on a journey with an unseen end. Whether we are ready or not, the Master will call. And when He does, will you be found faithful? Will your legacy be one of selfishness or sacrifice? Of worldly indulgence or eternal impact?
God is not impressed by our titles, possessions, or platforms. He searches the heart. He values obedience, humility, love, and justice. So live in such a way that when your feet no longer touch this earth, your life still walks among men, through the seeds you planted, the lives you touched, and the God you served.
Time is not promised. Death is not a respecter of age. Eternity is closer than we think. So don’t waste another second. Live with urgency. Love sacrificially. Serve selflessly. Repent sincerely.
And trust God fully because only the actions of the just, not the rich, the popular, or the powerful, “smell sweet and blossom in the dust.”
