Building What Will Become Dust
When hit with the realization that life is short, people tend to do one of two things: They start living with more purpose and intentionality in order to make the most of their days, or they start living more recklessly and without care because they are overcome with a sense of hopelessness and fear of death.
Isaiah 2:22 says, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” (NIV). This puts our lives into perspective. The only thing we have right now is the breath in our nostrils. The next breath isn’t guaranteed.
And yet, we spend our entire lives building our own empire that will turn to dust, just like we will one day. We spend our lives building riches, amassing stuff, creating a name for ourselves, and accumulating accolades from “important” people. Those of us who may prefer a quieter lifestyle still often get caught up in this life by working hard to surround ourselves with as much physical comforts as possible. But when we return to dust, all of these efforts will be in vain.
There is a line in the song “All Glory be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue that says, “Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive, unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive. To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me, what is your life? A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ.” The irony is that this song is sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, which is often sung for New Year’s Eve—when we celebrate what tomorrow brings.
We spend our efforts building a life that lasts as long as we do, but it’s all in vain if it isn’t building the kingdom of God. Our life is but a mist that vanishes at dawn. We are dust and to dust we will return. If we spend our lives building what will eventually come to dust, we will have lived our lives in vain.
Reflection/Discussion Question: What is your immediate reaction when you start thinking about death?
Related Content
Comments