top of page
Search
Writer's pictureCougan Collins

Never Take Life for Granted: A Plea for Faithful Living

 

Imagine a man walking a tightrope stretched high above the ground. Below him lies a chasm so deep and dark that the bottom is lost from sight. He is confident and cheerful as he steps forward, trusting in the rope’s firmness. But then, in a single unexpected moment, the rope breaks, and he plunges into the abyss.

 

Life, my friends, is much like that tightrope. We step out each morning with plans and hopes, assuming the rope of our existence will hold firm. Yet, how easily it breaks! A sudden illness, a tragic accident, or a calamity beyond our foresight will quickly remind us how precarious our footing truly is. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Life is a fragile gift that invites us to embrace gratitude and cherish each moment, rather than taking it for granted.

 

How often do we take that gift for granted? We live as if the sun will rise on us forever. "Tomorrow," we say, "I will make things right. Tomorrow, I will give my life to God." But tomorrow is a thief, and it steals more than it gives. Jesus warned us of the rich fool who said to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you” (Luke 12:19-20). What a tragedy it is to delay in seeking the eternal treasures of God!

 

Imagine a ship at sea, filled with treasures but plagued by leaks. The crew notices the water rising and realizes they need to repair the hull. Instead of fixing the breaches, however, they focus on polishing the deck or counting their gold. Ultimately, the ship sinks, taking all the treasures with it. We often become distracted with the temporary pleasures this world offers—our careers, our comforts, our ambitions—while overlooking the true state of our souls. We invest effort into what is trivial and neglect what is truly important.

 

What makes this procrastination so dangerous is its deceptive nature. The devil does not whisper, “Reject God!” That would be too stark, too obvious. Instead, he whispers, “Tomorrow is soon enough.” But every "tomorrow" is built on the sands of uncertainty. James reminds us, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Each heartbeat, each breath, is a testament to God’s sustaining power. Yet, we treat them as if they are ours by right.

 

We cannot take chances with eternity; the stakes are too high, and the consequences are too severe. Postponing obeying the gospel is like standing at the door of heaven with your back turned, only to discover that it has been shut.

 

Let us not lose hope, for there is another way filled with hope, peace, and certainty. For those who belong to Christ, life is not a tightrope but rather a secure and steady path, even if it may be winding and steep. Living for God means living with purpose, knowing that whatever storms may arise, we have an anchor for the soul that is sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19).

 

Imagine a weary traveler who discovers an inn after a long, dark journey. Inside, a fire crackles, and a sumptuous feast awaits. The warmth surrounds him, and he realizes he is finally home. This is akin to the promise of heaven for those who are in Christ. Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). No matter the trials we face, they are merely momentary shadows compared to the eternal joy that lies ahead.

 

Indeed, how blessed we are if we are in Christ! The world may crumble, our bodies may fail, and friends may forsake us, but our hope remains unshaken. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Death becomes the door to eternal life.

 

Let’s not take life for granted or waste the precious moments we have. Each sunrise should remind us that our time is limited, and each breath is a gift of God’s grace. We must commit ourselves fully to Him—not tomorrow, not when it’s convenient, but right now. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Embrace this moment and let it become a turning point in your life.

 

And for those already in Christ, let us live with gratitude and purpose. We are a people of hope, heirs of a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Whatever trials we face, we walk confidently, knowing that the Lord is with us and that our souls are secure in His hands.

 

Life is fragile, but eternity is certain. Will you waste the former and forfeit the latter? Or will you embrace the gift of God today and secure the promise of forever? The choice is yours, and it cannot wait.

2 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page