A Life That Counts

¹⁰ The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

¹¹ Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

¹² So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:10-12 (KJV)

We need to understand the brevity or shortness of life. The word “number” means to make every moment count. So, we could say we fought the good fight of faith.

Is a life that does not waste treasure.

The first son received his portion. In verse 13, we see that he spent and wasted his substance his treasure and money in riotous or reckless living. He wasted his internal substance, his knowledge and understanding and became brutish which show his lack of sensibility and use up his worth substance in rioting, drunkenness, and harlots. He wasted his treasures: life, money, health, and family.

Is a life that does not waste talent.

In verse 29, the second son said that “Lo, these many years do I serve thee neither transgressed I.” The one problem we could see with the second son is the wrong attitude in serving.

How can we prove that he possesses the wrong attitude? His attitude is clearly seen in his accusation in verses 29-30. He accused his father of unjust, lack of praise and lack of appreciation. He committed the sin of comparison.

Is a life that does not waste time.

Waste no time in comparing, envying, gossiping, creating a wrong spirit, and self-pity. Make good use of every opportunity you have because time is precious.

It is better and fitting joy for someone who was once foolish but now wise and newly recovered on.