PRESSED FOR TIME? | Northstar Church

“Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]..” – James 4:14 (AMP).

James, the brother of Jesus and author of the book of James, was known for sharing practical wisdom for life. He wrote his letter to encourage believers to live out their faith through actions and challenge them to live with integrity and purpose. In James 4:14, he says, your life is like a vapor—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Just like a vapor, our lives are short, and we don’t know how long we will live, but compared to eternity, our time is very brief. We are fragile: A vapor can be blown away by the wind or disappear as the sun rises. Similarly, our lives can change rapidly and end unexpectedly. And it is unpredictable because, like a vapor, we can’t control everything that happens in our lives.

The Bible uses other images to illustrate the brevity of life. For example, Psalm 39:4-5 says, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”

The goal is to make each moment count. To take advantage of every moment, we need to have our day sponsored by God. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” God made the day, and He made every moment. When you think about it, this is the only time God has given us. He has not given you tomorrow. He hasn’t even given you this evening. He’s given you this moment. So, make this moment count for God.

In Job chapter 7, verse 6, we read how some people describe their day. “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope” (Job 7:6). We all have days like that, but rather consider what the day could mean if you make each moment count: accomplish something today. Put the life of Jesus into your days. He is your life. So, put God’s life into your day.

Every second is a precious gift from God, and we should not waste it by letting days slip by without intentionality. To truly “make every moment count,” we must be present in the here and now. This means actively engaging with our experiences, whether it’s a conversation with a loved one, a beautiful sunset, or a simple task. When we understand that every moment matters, we are naturally driven to live with purpose. This means aligning our actions with God’s will, seeking to use our time to serve others, and working for the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions:

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Where in your life are you not making the most of your time or opportunity?
What does it mean to be “wise” with your time? How can you apply this wisdom to your priorities, relationships, and personal goals?
If time is a gift from God, how should that perspective change how you spend your “free” time?