Job declared, even in the midst of great suffering - "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle" (Job 7:6). Asaph observed - "For He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again" (Psa. 78:39). James wrote that life is like "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).
Yes, life is short, though from the perspective of a faithful Christian, it is difficult to say that life is too short. The struggles of this life and the glory of a heavenly abode ought to make dedicated disciples think that life on Earth is too long, if anything. Paul seemed to share this view - "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). Paul was ready to die and be with the Lord, but he would serve God with all his might in the meantime.
However, there is another view to consider on this subject. It could accurately be said that life is too short for one to neglect truly important opportunities. Please consider the following points on this theme.
1. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NEGLECT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR JOY.
It's not so much that others deprive us of joy. Typically, we deprive ourselves. Numerous folks miss so many of the simple joys of life because they are too busy with trivial matters. This is tragic. Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
2. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NEGLECT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR BETTER FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.
No matter how close one is to his family, there are always certain ties that could use strengthening. We have a duty to our families that cannot be fulfilled without significant contributions of time. "...Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'...fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 5:33-6:4).
3. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NEGLECT THE OPPORTUNITY OF FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS.
The public and private occasions God's people have to be together ought to be precious time indeed. These are times we share interests, laughter, encouragement, and even constructive criticism. Acts 2:42 - "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship..."
4. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NEGLECT THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD FOR OTHERS.
The building blocks of a meaningful life are kind words and helpful deeds. There are so many in the world who could benefit from what we can offer. Our own selfishness can rob us of great blessings. Galatians 6:9,10 - "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith."
5. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NEGLECT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT.
One who feels he can live a consecrated life without continual spiritual enrichment either does not understand the Christian life or is self-deceived. Bible classes, gospel literature, and private study are crucial for spiritual growth and success. "Be diligent [study, KJV] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15).
6. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NEGLECT TO SPEAK TO OTHERS ABOUT THE SAVIOR.
Too many are lost, and you can help some to be saved! Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation, for everyone who believes..." May we never be ashamed of the good news of Jesus Christ, and may we leap upon every opportunity to share the blessed gospel message with others! They need the gospel, and the Lord expects us to teach it to them (Matt. 28:19,20).
Friends, life is too short to neglect vitally important opportunities such as these. May the heavenly Father "...teach us to number our days [and balance our priorities], that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psa. 90:12).