Edition 17-Wednesday’s Word

September 2, 2009 | My Jottings

Today’s quote is a little longer than most of what I post, but since I couldn’t stop crying as I read it, I think it’s worth sharing here. This is excerpted from James Dobson’s most recent newsletter.

“ ‘As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.’  (Psalm 103:15-16 – KJV)

“….What an incredibly important scriptural concept this is. If we really grasped the numbering of our days, we would surely be motivated to invest ourselves in eternal values.

“Would a 50-year-old man pursue an adulterous affair if he knew how quickly he would stand before his God? Would a woman make herself sick from in-law conflict or other petty frustrations if she knew how little time was left to her? Would men and women devote their lives to the pursuit of wealth and symbols of status if they realized how soon their possessions will be torn from their trembling hands?

“It is the illusion of permanence, you see, that distorts our perception and shapes our selfish behavior. When eternal values come into view, our greatest desire is to please the Lord and influence as many of our loved ones for Him as possible.

“I ask each of my readers this important question: If we really believed that the eternal souls of our children hang in the balance today – that only by winning them for Christ can we spend eternity together in heaven – would we change the way this day is lived? Would we ignore and neglect so great an opportunity if our eyes were fully opened to this awesome responsibility? I think not. I pray not.

“Addressing myself now to the mothers and fathers of young children, I urge you to keep this eternal perspective in view as you race through the days of your lives. Don’t permit yourselves to become discouraged with the responsibilities of parenting. Yes, it is an exhausting and difficult assignment, and there are times when you will feel like throwing in the towel. But I beg you to stay the course! Get on your knees before the Lord and ask for His strength and wisdom. Finish the job to which He has called you! There is no more important task in living…”   (James Dobson)

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My children are all grown now, and as I read this I can certainly look back and see countless times where my behavior was influenced by my selfishness and not from an eternal perspective. Even now that I’m old enough to have seven grandchildren, I sometimes plod through my days like I used to when I was young, caught up in the myriad things that must be tended to daily, with nary a thought to what eternal value my words, prayers and actions might have.

Lord, help us to number our days. Give us an eternal perspective about our loved ones, and all of our choices, and help us to walk in Your light. In the name of Jesus we pray…Amen.