As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.
*Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a monthly series about oft-repeated cliches.
“Live each day as if it were your last” is a slogan that has been embraced through the centuries.
At his 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs said, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”
Seneca repeatedly urged people to live with the awareness of mortality: “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.”
Stoic emperor Marcus Aurelius said, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Christians have incorporated this slogan. In a recent article titled, “Live like you are going to die. My personal experiences,” Pastor Doug Reed wrote, “We must live each day as if it were our last: not recklessly, but intentionally. One day, that assumption will be correct. So spend your time on what actually counts. You are not promised tomorrow, so do not squander the gift of today.”
Unhelpful
Granted, the Bible does speak often about human mortality.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” says Psalm 90:12.
Jesus told parables about readiness, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
We are certainly supposed to make the most of the time we have here on earth. However, I would argue that this slogan, “Live each day as if it were your last,” is unhelpful.
If somehow I knew for a fact that this very day would be my last before I died, I would be calling my family and friends to say goodbye. I would take my most prized possessions and give them away to people I cherished. I would deplete my savings account and donate to my favorite charities. I would be handing over family heirlooms to younger members of the family. I would write posts on social media saying my last goodbyes.
This is no way to live life.
Being preoccupied with death is not the biblical way for the people of God. Awareness of our mortality and fragility is biblical. However, the reminders of death serve as warnings for unbelievers. Those who heap up wealth only for themselves are confronted with the prospect of death (Luke 12:13-21). Those who want worldly immortality and focus only on the pleasures of life are reminded of death (Ecclesiastes). Eating and drinking because “tomorrow we die” is the scenario of no resurrection (1 Cor. 15:32).
Instead
Instead of living each day as if it were your last, live each day as if you will live forever. Instead of focusing on our temporal end, we are better off focusing on the fact that we have everlasting life in Christ.
Our sights are best set on laying up treasures in heaven over what we will lose on earth. Focusing on eternal rewards puts earthly possessions in proper perspective. Dwelling on our continuing life through Christ minimizes the fear of death. Thinking about the heavenly glories awaiting gives joy in discouragement. Focusing on eternity puts the frustrations and disappointments of life in the momentary category. A focus on living forever reminds us about loved ones and neighbors whose faith is circumspect or nonexistent. A forever-mindset prompts prayer for and witnessing to these people in our lives. Instead of focusing on our last moment of life, why not focus on the first time we lock eyes with our Savior, Jesus Christ? That moment when we look at the face of perfect love will blow away all of our best moments here in this life.
Jesus Christ did not dwell on his death but focused on the glory on the other side of the cross. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). We are to fix our eyes on him so that we will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:3).
As a Christian with a glorious eternity to anticipate basking in the perfect love of the divine Savior, why would I dwell on anything else? The thought of eternity gives perseverance in trouble and joy in suffering, strength in opposition and peace in death.
Next up: "God never gives you more than you can handle." Often quoted—but is it biblical?