Brevity of Life

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

My life has been rocked more than once by news of a sudden death. My friend’s young daughter killed in an auto accident. A recent high school graduate family member who died in an amusement park accident. More than one friend and family killed by drunk drivers. We get the news and nearly stop breathing. Our lives are on hold as we mourn. And we recognize the brevity of life…briefly.

I wonder if it’s because we don’t fully understand the brevity of life as God intends. Brevity of life shocks us; we talk about lives cut short, potential unrealized, and dreams unfulfilled. We appreciate life, but do we realize the brevity of life? The purpose of realizing the brevity of life, according to Moses, the author of Psalm 90, is wisdom. When we gain wisdom, we grow in our knowledge of God:

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. – Ephesians 1:16-17

When we seek understanding, are we seeking understanding of our situation, or are we seeking understanding of God? The difference might appear subtle.

If you had to choose, would you rather…
…know how many days are left in your life, or know the purpose in each day of your life?
…know the details of all remaining employment (and unemployment) situations, or be assured all your needs will be met?
…know how to resolve a conflict with a family member or friend, or be assured of your family member or friend’s eternal life?

God's wisdom and knowledge isn’t the same as human wisdom and knowledge. No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. – Proverbs 21:30. God wants us to realize the brevity of life because we grow in (God’s) wisdom. When we grow in God’s wisdom, we grow in our understanding of His character. When we know God’s character, we can differentiate between our earthly understanding and His plan and purpose for us.

Realizing the brevity of life isn’t about walking through a tragedy. It’s about drawing closer to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all life, knowledge and wisdom. May your day be filled with discernment between His wisdom and understanding and your own wisdom and understanding. May you seek the heart of God so intensely you grow to know God’s heart more than you own. Pursue Him. He’s already pursuing you.

But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. – 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30

The Bridge

I didn’t understand many of the words. They were using technical video and sound language, and while I could guess the meanings of a few words based on context, some made no sense at all. It’s not that I needed to understand every word. I was okay with simply taking direction, but I wondered…how often do I speak in ways someone doesn’t understand?

When have you experienced a miscommunication? Why do you think miscommunications occur?

Communication isn’t about me…even when I’m the one talking. I don’t talk to hear myself. The words, inflections, facial expressions and body language are intended to communicate something with another person. If I don't consider how someone is going to understand my words, my communication isn’t effective. If I’m not communicating effectively, I’d rather not be communicating at all!

Imagine yourself standing on one side of a bridge. Someone is standing on the other side of the bridge. How far are you willing to go to meet her? Does it matter how well you know or like her?
I want to be willing to go the distance. We’re not going to be able to completely understand each other, just as we can’t stand in the exact same place on the bridge. We bring different relationships, experiences, and expectations to our communications. I want to get as close as I can. I want to see where the person is and then try to get there. I don’t want to get stuck in Me-Ville, settling on an attitude of “Why would I make extra effort when she isn’t? I’m not going to try again until she’s ready to listen to me. “I’ve done my job. It’s her turn.”

Jesus talked to people in a way they could understand. He told stories, met their needs, and walked with them. I want to be like Jesus...so others experience him through me.

Pay attention today. How are you crossing the bridge?

That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand…The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! – Matthew 13:13,23 (NLT)