How Do You Get Wise from Thinking About Mortality?

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Today’s big question: how do you get wise from thinking about mortality?

Reality check 4: Considering our mortality helps us ask the right questions.

Your life is going to end any day, and at best you might (probably with great medical assistance) reach 100 years. So what are you going to do about this sober reality? How will your mortality make you wise?

God is the timeless Creator and King. Do we think so much of ourselves that we can live without regard for the God who is not only Creator but also the sovereign Ruler and Sustainer? The world exists only because of His will. If we are not at least asking ourselves some questions about our mortal existence in the presence of the immortal God, perhaps we think too much of ourselves.

Ask yourself, “Do I think so highly of myself that I try to determine truth without Him? Do I think so highly of myself that I sin in His sight and think it secret? Do I think so highly of myself that I take it for granted that the sun is going to rise tomorrow just because I expect it to? Do I think so highly of myself to believe my opinion matters even one degree? Do I think so highly of myself that I manage my time around my own pleasure? Do I think so highly of myself that I look for security in things I can touch and see rather than in the Creator of all things, just because I can’t physically touch and see Him? Do I think so highly of myself that I don’t consider my own mortality, as if death is never going to happen? Do I think so highly of myself that I don’t care about how much God has made Himself known? Do I think so highly of myself that I live as if I won’t have to give any account for my life? Do I think so highly of myself that I don’t consider where I will go when I die?”

Such questions help us reflect on Who is high and independent versus who is low and dependent. Our self-reliance is a key factor in our lack of repentance. Mortality helps us realize our dependency. In light of this understanding, we can consider that God has come into this world as our Redeemer. We are completely dependent on God for salvation from sin and death. In salvation through Jesus Christ alone, death has no sting (1 Corinthians 15:55).

Every passive denial of our mortality and accountability is an act of human pride. Only in complete dependency on Jesus Christ do we share, not in our own, but in His victory and exaltation.

Today’s big idea: mortality highlights every human’s need for Christ.

What to pray: express your complete dependency on Jesus.