James 4:14 KJV
[14] “whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
James asks an important question in this verse about life. He wants us to consider life on a personal level. It is a question that every man must ask, and the Bible must answer. What is your life? That is a personal question that demands a Bible answer. Dear friend, you and I cannot properly answer that question alone. I’m so glad the same verse that asks the question also answers it.
First, we see that life is a vapor, which is a chemical composition called H2O-water. Water obeys the downward flow of the world. It follows the gravitation of the valleys and canyons heading toward the sea. A vapor responds to the sun and has its place in the heavenlies. A vapor soars to the highest level leaving this world. That is the life of a believer! Just like a vapor, our life is heading for the clouds!
Second, we see life is visible. Human life can be seen and should always be cherished. Life is a gift from God and should never be wasted or misused. Though our days are short on this earth, they can still be significant. We must use every day we have for the glory of God and the good of mankind. Others can be inspired by our lives, because they can visibly see us living for His cause.
Third, we see that life vanishes. Just like the vapor, life is quickly gone. We are here today and gone tomorrow. It doesn’t take long to live this life, so we must prepare for eternity and live for Christ. Don’t let your life vanish from this world unprepared for the next. Don’t waste your life on selfish things and goals that have no eternal value. Lay up treasures in heaven where life matters most. Live for God and work for eternity, for your life will soon be gone. Ask yourself this most solemn question, “What is YOUR life?”