Only One Life

Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? Ps 89:47

Our time here on this earth a just a drop in the bucket. One simple epitaph had it right, "He was born, he lived he died." How cryptic!

What we accomplish during those threescore and ten is one thing, but what God is able to do through us is what is truly important.

A young preacher, assistant pastor at a large church, was thinking pretty highly of himself. One day, the pastor called him into the office and had a bucket of water on the desk. He told the young pup to stick his fist in the water then remove it.

"See the hole you left?" he said, "That's about how much and for how long you will be missed when you leave here!"

Have you ever wondered if you will have much of a legacy when your short time on earth of finished?

So Ethan asks the Lord here to remember how few his days are and to do something lasting through him.

Have you heard of Ethan? Elsewhere he is called Jeduthun. He wrote four of the Psalms, he was one of the 3 songleaders - music directors in the house of God during the glory days of Israel. He merited 25 mentions in God's Word. Not bad!

Hey Ethan, you were not made in vain, your name will live as long as the Word of God stands.

But what about you and me? Will our short time on earth register anything lasting?

I have noticed that the following things leave the best legacies:
1. Winning souls
2. Raising good kids
3. Saying wise things
4. Living and leaving a good example
5. Sacrificially giving of ourselves, our time, our substance and our talents.

When Abel, the fourth person on earth, sacrificed an excellent offering to God, a legacy was established. God says of him, "he being dead yet speaketh."

Child of God, do something eternal today. Teach your child something of lasting value, speak a wise word to someone who is in need of wisdom, give to someone in need, bring a lost soul to the Savior, be the one that others admire for sterling character.

Remember, your time is short, don't let it be in vain.

Only one life, so soon it will pass, only what's done for Christ will last.