We live in a world obsessed with acquisition. We meticulously build our empires, the impressive careers, the lavish homes, the powerful network of influence. We feel the undeniable weight of our authority, the security of our wealth, and the comfort of knowing we are "successful." In this race, it is dangerously easy to confuse temporary achievement with permanent significance. We begin to believe that the things we possess, or the power we wield, somehow shield us from the most fundamental truth of existence.
We look at history's great leaders, the titans of industry, and the most celebrated figures, and we imagine their end came differently, with dignity, with warning, or perhaps, not at all. But this is the Delusion of Permanence. The reality of our human journey is that the rich man's mansion and the beggar's street corner are connected by one inescapable truth, a gentle reminder that must guide us all:
No matter how rich, how powerful, how influential, or how strong you are today, one day, in a second or a minute you neither know nor can predict, it will all come to an end.
The Reality of Our Finite Life
The Bible is unflinching about the brevity of our time on earth. James reminds us:
“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
That day is approaching. It started the moment you drew your first breath. When that time comes, your feet won't move, your voice will fall silent, your heart will cease its steady rhythm, and your mind will no longer have thoughts. In that final second, your arrogance, your ego, and your worldly influence will not matter.
The grave is the one power no one can escape. As the Scriptures declare:
“No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death; neither is there any discharge from that war.” (Ecclesiastes 8:8)
We own nothing, not the world we walk on, and not even ourselves. As the Psalmist wrote, the true Owner of all things is God:
“The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)
Living with humility and kindness
This profound certainty should not paralyze us, but rather refine us. It should guide our steps and soften our hearts, focusing our energy on what is eternal.
Humility Over Arrogance
The great empires of history—from the Roman Empire to modern corporate giants have all taught us that earthly power is fleeting. Even the mighty King Nebuchadnezzar was brought low and lived in the fields until he acknowledged that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth" (Daniel 4:25).
Remain Humble: Do not let your position, power, or wealth fill you with pride. The Apostle Paul urged us: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
Kindness Over Coldness
The true measure of your life is not what you possess, but how you treat the people around you.
The parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) remains a potent caution. The rich man was judged not for his wealth, but for his callous indifference to the suffering man outside his gate.
Be Gentle and Kind: Choose to treat others with fairness, kindness, and love. As we are reminded in Micah 6:8, the requirement is clear: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Integrity Over Compromise
We live in a world that often rewards cutting corners and compromising truth. However, your integrity is your most valuable, eternal asset.
In the case of corporate ethics, we often see spectacular downfalls, like the collapse of companies such as Enron, where leaders compromised truth and integrity for short-term gain. When the legal and financial accountability came, their titles and influence offered no protection.
Stand for Integrity: Forever stick to the truth, no matter the cost. Choose the path of honesty, remembering that “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1).
A Word to Leaders: Stewards, Not Owners
If you hold a position of leadership—in business, government, or ministry—remember: you are a steward, not an owner.
Those you lead are God's flock, placed under your temporary care. If you mislead or mistreat them, you will answer to their Maker. Nothing goes unjudged.
The Example of Jesus: The ultimate leader did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). This model of Servant Leadership is what we are called to emulate.
Lead with Love: The way you treat those you lead, with patience, fairness, and love, is you storing up “treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20)
The Choice of Today
The final moment of life is fixed, but the decision you make right now is not. You cannot know the minute your life will end, but you can choose how you spend this second. Will you live in the fleeting glory of self-importance, or in the enduring light of kindness, justice, and humility?
The decision is yours: Choose this day whom you will serve and how you will live your life before others. Your accountability is not to the community that applauds you today, but to the Maker who awaits you tomorrow.
Exploring life, one thought at a time.
Yours dearly, Rumishael
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