Original: September 25, 2007
McMinnville, OR
7 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.10 The length of our days is seventy years--or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalm 90:7- 10
I need to read the book, Halftime by Bob Buford. I have been told the book is written to inspire middle-aged men to run the second half of life better than the first. I have always thought of middle age as 50 but after reading in verse 10 I think I am wrong, “The length of our days is seventy years--or eighty, if we have the strength.” I think I need to go to order that book!
This verse reminds me of why I have worked out 4-5 times a week since age 14. I do not like working out and if I thought I had a logical choice I would not. As a young man exercise was a means to the end of athletic performance. As an adult it has been a means to the end of longevity, health, and physical appearance (I admit it). All things being equal, my lifestyle of fitness will definitely give me a longer life than the average American male, barring some life tragedy of course. Looking at the family genetics (all things being equal) I am looking at between 85-95 years of age when I die: morbid, I know
Living 85-95 years is pretty good (all things being equal)!
However, even "due to strength" (10) of certain family genetics my time is limited. Humanity has one common thread. We are all going to die. Will I trust in my fleeting strength? Will I invest myself only in those temporal/physical things that may (or may not) increase my lifespan for 4 or 5 years?
Or will a man pour all of his heart, mind, soul, and strength into those things that will be launch him into eternity? The stronger a man is regarding the things of God, the stronger we will be in Heaven. A man’s investment in eternity, while living in the shadow lands will pay eternal dividends for sure.
Listen to the truthful words of Paul comparing eternity with our time on earth, "physical training is of little value" (1 Timothy 4:8-NASB).
What will you pour your life into: time or eternity?
