“So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
– Psalm 90:12
As Christians, we often celebrate that we are eternal. In Christ, our days really are numberless. However, we’re also called to understand that the number of days we have before we enter glory are limited. Awareness of our own mortality is essential for developing and living true wisdom.
Biblical wisdom is far more than interesting fortune-cookie sayings or generic life advice. Biblical wisdom is about skillful living under God’s authority. A key element of that is understanding that we will die and that certain things can’t or won’t be done after we do.
First and foremost is choosing to believe in Jesus and be saved. All who die will become quite aware of Jesus, but salvation can only be accepted prior to death. Faith in Christ is the most important decision anyone can make and the awareness of mortality is often part of softening a heart toward the Gospel.
Once we’ve chosen Jesus, awareness of our own mortality makes us wiser and more effective disciples. Knowing our days are numbered should spur us to action as we accept Christ’s invitation to take up our cross daily. It should create urgency to share Christ with others, because we won’t be able to do that once we’re with Him forever.
As we recognize the briefness of our mortal life and the length of eternity, we should be encouraged to live lives of boldness for Jesus, knowing that the worst things we may suffer for Him pale in comparison to the glorious weight of eternity. Proper awareness of our own mortality lets us live as Paul did, keenly aware that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Recognize your own mortality and be wiser for it!