“A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born. Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Solomon recognizes the brevity of life. The clock doesn't stop for any of us. It is vital that we look at life through the correct lens. Having the right perspective completely changes the way we live life. So many people are caught up in their pursuits of life that they don't realize their misplaced priorities. We are all getting older every day. We are all going to die at some point, we just don't know when or how. We need to live every day with this in mind. We don't need to live in fear but we must live circumspectly (watchful, cautious, prudent).

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is imperative that we live life wisely. The wise consider the whole picture. The foolish  consider only the immediate. The wise prepare. The foolish procrastinate until another day. So many live only to make it to the next "party". An old secular song used the lyric "working for the weekend". To some, all life is about is having a "good" time. There is nothing wrong with having good, clean, holy, and wholesome fun and entertainment. There are times we need to relax, laugh, and enjoy the moment. However, life requires much more than a feel good moment. We must keep our focus.

Are you prepared for death? Does it scare you to even consider this question? When we live for Jesus, we don't have to fret. Living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ helps us live every moment to the maximum. Living for Him is the greatest pleasure we can ever have. He fulfills our deepest longings. He gives unmatched joy and peace. Living for Him makes the most of every moment, gives ultimate satisfaction, and prepares us for the future. That is the way to live!!!

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, may I know with certainty that you are my Lord and Savior. Help me to live life by your strength and for your glory. Only then will I live a life that really counts.