Living Long and Well

How long do you think you will live? Seventy-five, eighty or ninety years. As it turns out, you are not even close. You forgot to add the time you were alive, but not yet born. Two bible thoughts give us a clue that you have been around a very long time.

Eph_1:4 according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
1Pe 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers,
1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;
1Pe_1:20 indeed having been foreknown before the foundation of the world, but revealed in the last times for you,

This was when you were in spirit form before you gained a physical body. Then, we live on earth for a while before the body returns to dust and the spirit continues on. How long you ask? Well, let’s see another few verses for the answer. First, for those who foolishly end up in hell and the lake of fire.

Mar_9:44 where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mar_9:46 where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mar_9:48 where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.
Rev_14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest day or night, those who worship the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.

Well, that doesn’t sound appealing at all! However, the point is that they continue on forever. Now, for those gaining Heaven. First, the story of a beloved slave reunited with a master.
Phm 1:15 For perhaps because of this he was separated from you for an hour, that
Phm 1:16 not now as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Other assurances are give to those who honor Christ:

Joh_14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, so that He may be with you forever,
Rom_9:5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is the Christ according to flesh, He being God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Heb_10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.
1Pe_1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living Word of God, and abiding forever.
1Jn_2:17 And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.
2Jn_1:2 for the sake of the truth dwelling in us, and which shall be with us forever.
Rev_4:9 And whenever the living creatures gave glory and honor and thanks to Him who sat on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

Rev_22:5 And there will be no night there. And they need no lamp, or light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

So, there you have it. Those in Heaven or Hell continue to live forever. This time assurance dwarfs the short time we have on earth in the flesh. So, the real point is, how do we spend our existence? Pleasantly, or unpleasantly. Personally, I choose honoring Christ as God and living with Him in charge of my life and salvation. In addition, there are several things to consider that will make us content and happy while here now. These are things that we have found from experience and the knowledge that God desires to be in us and have a relationship with us.

1. Continue to dream and plan for the future. Our real future comes after earthly life. Live accordingly with good planning. Good planning is proven to make life more rewarding, easier and less stressful.

2. Continue to learn and listen to God and godly counsel from others. The only way that we can become better is by listening, study and learning. God is not finished with our earthly training until we stand before Him for judgement.

3. Find joy and laughter in everyday happenings, even if it involves laughing at ourselves at times. All of us are imperfect and still learning, so we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. One can always find some measure of joy when looking in the right places with the right attitude. Be alert for finding God’s blessings. Giving to others blesses both the giver and the receiver with an uplifted spirit.

4. Leave the past worries behind. We do not need bad baggage to carry forever. God forgives past sins and errors when we accept Christ. So, we should learn to also forgive ourselves and learn from the past what not to do and what works.

5. Love God completely and desire a continuing relationship with Him. Having gained love, continue in faith completely trusting Him. Realize that God is in control and remember that all things work for good to those who are in Christ.
Mat_22:37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

6. Submit to God and obey His will. This is for our own good and for God’s glory.

7. Do what you can to stay healthy in mind and body. Eat correctly for healthy bodies, which are the temple of God, and maintain a good positive attitude for the mind.

8. Have compassion on others as Christ cared about you and taught us that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. We all are in need at times and can appreciate help from others. Circumstances can be difficult and discouraging even though they may teach us important lessons. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

9. Remain humble. We all make mistakes. Know that everyone has specialized knowledge about something. We all are loved by God. Becoming puffed up with pride only separates us from others and God.

Be blessed and have a great day with God.