(~ 5 min read) Good morning. An older man ambled toward a grocery checkout line when a younger man behind him said in frustration, "I am glad I am not old." The older man ignored the comment, paid for his items, and left the store.
A few moments later, the younger man exited the store, and the older gentleman asked him,
"Why do you believe I am old and you're not?"
"Are you serious right now? Look at you and look at me? The young man said.
"Do you know when you'll die?" the old man asked.
The young man looked around nervously before saying, "No."
"God says in Hebrews 9:27, 'It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.' The Bible also says, in Psalm 90, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." the older man said.
"What's your point? I don't believe in the Bible." the younger man said.
"You believe in error that because you've lived fewer years than me, you have more life ahead than I do. That my age determines my value. However, tomorrow is not promised; if I die, I know I have fulfilled my purpose after many years. If you die tomorrow, that would make you an old man, while if I lived 30 more years, I would be a younger man than you. Do you know your reason for being here, young man? Redeem the time you're given because you never know what day will be your last."
Today's thought: "The value of a soul remains untouched by the march of time. Nor can age diminish a person's purpose. And youth doesn't guarantee seeing tomorrow."
Closing: It doesn't matter if a person is 90 or 17; God has a purpose for each of us. God doesn't create anything without a purpose, which includes every person born, no matter what anyone has told them. We are to redeem the time we're given (Ephesians 5:16). We should pray daily, God, guide me toward what you've called me to be and do in this life. People spend countless dollars and years searching for meaning when it's a prayer away. Trust God today and start living with purpose.