The Long and Short of It

Einstein chose the intellectual to prolong life

Over the past several years, researchers have been boldly predicting that before the dawn of the next century, science will be able to lengthen the lifetimes of human beings by modifying the genes that control the aging process.

Certainly, genes not only determine how we age, but how quickly we age. There are some folks who age rapidly while others age more slowly. And of course, lifestyle plays a significant part in the aging process as well. Those who live healthy, low-stress lives are more likely to age slower and live longer than those who live recklessly and burn the proverbial candle at both ends.

For example, those who drink excessively; use narcotics, smoke or overeat, increase their odds of dying prematurely from a pathological cause or an accident. And often, those who live compulsively by consuming drugs and or alcohol are trying to manufacture happiness in their lives because they're miserable when they're sober.

For many folks, the greatest cause of unhappiness is their mortality. Death terrifies them. Why? It all has to do with judgment. Though many people have turned to atheism to deny the reality of eternal judgment after death, their consciences continue to remind them of the inevitable. The same holds true for religious people because even though most religions promise eternal life, they can't guarantee it. And if they can't guarantee it, they can't deliver on it.

What does the Bible say about the human lifespan? Psalm 90:10 says this: "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." 

Though 70 or 80 doesn't seem like a long life these days, keep in mind that most people didn't live that long when the Psalmist penned that phrase 3,000 years ago. And so, a person who made it to 70, 80 or beyond was considered blessed by God.

The Bible does guarantee long life to those who love God and are obedient to his laws and commandments: "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:1-8)

That scripture either applies to everyone, or it applies to no one. Certainly, everyone probably knew someone who died at a young age. Was it because they sinned? That's a moot point because we're all sinners in God's eyes. (Romans 3:23) Sometimes, curses are involved. The Bible reveals that God punishes "the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20:5-6)

Although we can speculate why certain people died young--some as infants or adolescents--it's unwise to project reasons. Only God knows why they lived such short lives. And only God knows where they're dwelling in the spiritual realm until Judgment Day. That's not for us to know.

I'm also fully aware that some extremely wicked people live long lives. While that seems unfair, keep in mind that "the Lord is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) Even though some people appear to be complete reprobates on the outside, they may have contrite hearts that are open to God's grace. And God gives them the time to repent and turn from their wickedness.

However, they aren't granted unlimited time. Eventually, the window of opportunity closes and it's all over. That's why the time for repentance and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is today, not tomorrow or next month. Because tomorrow or next month may never come for you.

And if you die in your sins outside of God's grace in Jesus Christ crucified for your sins on the cross and raised from the dead, you'll be doomed forever. Think about that. Forever never ends.

However, life here on earth does. And if that frightens you, then you don't have a relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. You need to correct that right now while you're still around. Because if you leave this world without Christ, you'll never get another chance. And that will haunt you forever.