For what is your life. It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 KJV
What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14b ESV
If you have ever used a whistling kettle to boil water, you will recognize that loud buzzing sound, that reminds you that your water is well heated up.
And if you happen to be in the kitchen when the boiling process takes place, you will notice how quickly vapour escapes from the mouth lid of the kettle. It just comes out in different directions as the water boils.
But as you turn off your gas, that vapour gradually fades away leaving you alone with your kettle of hot water.
A man named James, one of the writers of the books in the bible compares a man’s life to this vapour – that invisible gas of steam that is created, when water is at its boiling point in your kettle.
This vapour shows up at one point and gradually disappears, when you turn off your gas. You see it for a while and then it gradually fades away.
With the use of metaphor, this writer helps us to put life in the right perspective – telling us that life is not forever, but that we are only here for a while and will eventually leave the scene. When? Nobody knows.
But while you ponder about how quickly this vapour disappears, can you ask yourself this question, how do you want to be remembered?
It is true that you do not know when your vapour will disappear, but while you are still present here, how will you be remembered?
We are not all called to great assignments.
We are not all called to change the world in big ways.
We are not all called to create the next big invention.
We are not all called to stun the world with the greatest discoveries and innovative ideas.
But we are all called to make a difference in our own little way, in our little space and on our own little time.
And the little things and deeds you do daily can become your own legacy.
In your family, in your marriage, in your workplace and as an entrepreneur, your life and how you live it can become a great model for the next generation to build on.
What do you want to be remembered for?
It is not about changing the whole world but about making a difference wherever you are.
It is not about being in the limelight, but about silently impacting the world around you with who and what you are.
It is not about building big castles, but it is about sowing good seeds, speaking uncommon words, showing great character, creating unforgettable memories and leaving a person, a family and a place and a world better than you met it.
And yes, a simple word of hope, encouragement and faith spoken can impact an entire generation- leaving us with portraits of your goodness and memories of your kindness.
How will you be remembered?
Think about this.
