DEVOTION/What’s your life expectancy?

Recent studies show that life expectancy in China and the U.S. has hit all-time highs! That average is now between 78 and 79 years, according to Fortune magazine.  You might think that these life expectancy numbers top the charts, but actually, these rank about 60th in the world. Time to move to a safer country?

From a Christian perspective, we know that putting too much stock in life expectancy studies is rather fruitless. God’s Word clearly reveals that our souls are eternal. Every person is going to live on long after this time on earth has passed.

There’s some news for Fortune magazine!

This means whether you live in China, America, or anywhere in between, everyone needs to confront the question: “What comes next?" The ministry of 316NOW seeks to help folks around the world come to grips with this spiritual reality.

Often, people spend more time researching what’s the most reliable car to buy than on this vital question. We feel pretty good if we have a car that has lasted 15-20 years and is still running smoothly.

The devil likes to get our lives focused on the temporary—and ultimately inconsequential—issues of life.  If we ignore the "What comes next?" question, maybe it will go away.

It won't… and it’s not like we can make it go away.

A God question

The only true reference point for dealing with “What comes next?" is God's Word. He clearly warns us about the spiritual warfare going on around us. The devils, the demons, and hell are real and not to be ignored.  The goal of Satan is to lie, deceive, and devour unsuspecting souls (John 8:44, 1 Peter 5:8). He seeks to thwart God’s good purposes. God wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Heaven and hell are real. Jesus came to rescue the world from an eternity separated from God. Acts 4:12 clearly states that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

What’s next?

Maybe 79 or 80 birthdays seem like a long, good life to you. Help spread the good news that your life expectancy is eternal, and people of this world are guaranteed a home in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. There they will see their Redeemer face-to-face and experience all the joys he has prepared for them.

Prayer: Loving Lord, remind us that our life expectancy is more than this earthly life. Bless the work of 316NOW to open blind eyes to the good news of what is offered to all our brothers and sisters through Jesus our Savior.

by Dave Payne