James was asking this question with the duration of life in mind. We should reflect on our lives from that standpoint. We often act as if life was not fleeting. We think the very way James warns us against in this passage. We say, “Today or tomorrow we will go…” However, we do not know whether there will be a tomorrow for us or not. Indeed, life is like “a midst that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” I think we all realize how true this is, but we do not always live like it. We go through life thinking that we will always have tomorrow to do the things we should be doing today. That kind of thinking can lead to procrastination and never getting anything done.

The biggest danger with putting things off, ignoring the brevity of life, is related to our souls. It is one thing to procrastinate when it comes to our responsibilities relating to this life, but something else altogether when it comes to preparing for eternity. When we say, “tomorrow I will be more faithful,” or “next week I will take my Christianity more seriously,” etc., we put the salvation of our souls at risk. Paul once said, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Is there any unrepented sin in your life? Now is the time to do something about it. Do not procrastinate. What if you die this very night? You should repent and ask God for forgiveness right now. Is this not what Philip told Simon to do?

Acts 8:22 (ESV)
²² Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

We sometimes call this God’s second law of pardon. It is what must be done by Christians who allow some kind of sin to creep into their lives. As you read this blog, this is something you can do this very moment. The benefit of doing so is clearly stated by John.

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
⁸ If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Why would you put that off? Remember what your life is—a midst that appears and then vanishes. The danger is too real to ignore. Take advantage of the grace of God. Rely on the blood of Christ to cleanse you. Do it tonight because tomorrow may never come.

We should all examine our lives to be sure that there is nothing in it that is displeasing to God. Paul urged the brethren at Corinth to examine themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5), and that is a good exhortation for all of us. Jesus said, “Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). He was talking about His second coming, but it is also true of death. The fact is, we do not know when life as we know it is going to end; thus, we need to make sure that we stay ready.

What is your life? Job said it is of few days (Job 14:1). Does your life consist of daily efforts to serve God to the best of your ability? Are you faithful in all areas of your life? If not, now is the time to do something about it. Now is the time to start being a better Christian, a better husband or wife, a better parent, a better member of your local church, a better student of the Bible, a better prayer warrior for Christ, etc. Now is the time because tomorrow may be too late.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.