Extending Lives

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 8

Gold Nugget

Verse 11: “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”

Commentary

What I have in mind for today’s “gold nugget” may be a little out of the norm for traditionally accepted doctrine. I normally try to keep a general approach to be able to minister to as many as possible, but going too far into making the Word palatable for everyone can leave many hungry for a much needed truth. This is how I feel about the approach to this scripture. To begin, we must not allow tradition to be the foremost element in pursuing truth. We need to be able to allow God to take us to new and exciting places. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Can we really add days and years to our life? If obeying God’s Word will add days and years to our life, can’t we encourage people that are near death to apply this and guarantee them an extension on life? Are our days predetermined by God? If so, can we change His mind about how many days we will live by whether we obey Him or not? This issue has been the demise of many church organizations for thousands of years. What’s with that? I mean, did God really leave us with such a dilemma to deal with without a answer? I don’t think so. I think we just tend to complicate things. I think it is so simple even an old Texas boy can understand it. I believe we just need to take a look at the big picture of God’s plan and get things back into perspective. What is the big picture? God created us for His own good pleasure and for His plan. His plan for our life could be related to it's length here on earth. Let’s put it in terms that we may be less spiritually-minded about. My daughter’s both play basketball. What they understand clearly is their playing time in a particular game is directly connected with how well they execute their coaches’ plan. Their start may be determined, but how long they stay in the game is determined by their commitment to following the directions of the coach. When we become Christians, we become players of a different team. We can become one of great use to the Master and possibly extend our playing time by how effective we are for Him. We can also be ineffective towards to His plan. Many that have had close encounters with death often say they know that God wasn't through with them yet. They feel that God told them that He still has things for them to do. Even with that, He doesn't have to explain who He wants to bring home at any given time, but in the great scheme of things, we are still created for the Master’s use. How useful are we being? Does He have anything to lose by taking you out of the game today? The Lord giveth and taketh away without having to clear it with or explain it to us. 

Paul understood it well, and knew he was more effective for the Kingdom while he remained in this body. Here he writes to the Philippians, "But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith - Philippians 1:22-25

 

Prayer

Lord, the main point to remember is how we fit into your plan. Help us to be mindful of what you want to accomplish in and through us. Let it define how we live and possibly how long we stay in the game. Amen

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