Life is Fragile
This morning I spoke at the chapel service at Mackenzie Place retirement village. Debbie joined me and Sherry Harris came with Steve. We enjoyed a lunch time together and with some of the residents after our “Christmas” service. This afternoon Debbie’s sister Sue and her husband Sam came by for a visit. Sue has been reviewing the manuscript of my book and had some great recommendations. Once again, I found myself learning some details that I didn’t have correctly in my mind.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Never brag about what you will do in the future; you have no idea what tomorrow will bring...Neither wealth nor nations last forever.” Proverbs 27:1,24 ERV
In the beginning and end of Proverbs 27 we find verses that speak to the unpredictability and frailness of life. As I shared this morning at the chapel service at Mackenzie Place, I talked about how things can happen that we don’t plan or expect. The daughter of a resident, after the service, told me it seems that since she became an adult life hasn’t gone as she would have expected.
Solomon says the the future is uncertain. He then later says that wealth and even the security of nations is uncertain. We see all of these issues have application down to our day. Being overconfident about that future and what the future holds will only bring disappointment. That may sound like a pessimistic viewpoint, but we can be prepared through living life with a security that is found in trusting in the Lord and keeping our eyes on the eternal. Failing to plan and failing to anticipate the unexpected are sure recipes for failure.
Just this last week on a radio talk show I heard comments about the longevity of nations. At this point in history the United States has the longest lasting constitutional republic in history. Many are questioning how long our nation can endure in light of current events and the threats that we face from without and within. That is why our security and confidence can not be in our political system or leaders. We need to pray for our leaders and our nation, but we need to anticipate the everlasting reign of the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords.
As fleeting as health can be, we see that wealth can be the same. I visited recently with a City Councilor who has a background as a floor trader in Chicago. During our conversation he said, “I have seen small investors become rich and have seen big investors become poor.”
What is interesting in Proverbs 27 is that Solomon gives some practical advice. He says, “Learn all you can about your sheep. Take care of your goats the best you can...Cut the hay, and new grass will grow. Then gather the new plants that grow on the hills. Cut the wool from your lambs, and make your clothes. Sell some of your goats, and buy some land. Then there will be plenty of goat’s milk for you and your family, with enough to keep the servants healthy.” (Prov. 27:23-27 ERV)
We see knowledge, wisdom and industry in providing for yourself is important. Also, “diversifying your investments” and making the most of what you have are all pictured in these words of wisdom. Perhaps the application from an agrarian society to the “information age” can be challenging, I believe when the principles Solomon speaks to are examined the lessons still become clear. Financial security comes from being diligent, educating yourself and applying wisdom principles.
What I have observed in life is the heartache and challenge that can come to people when the uncertainties of life manifest themselves. However, thousands of years ago, Solomon warned that life is fragile. It needs to be approach with realism, wisdom and confidence that can be found in relationship with God alone.