During the Middle Ages, some monks kept a skull on their desks to remind them of their mortality and eventual death. The bony paperweight was a vivid reminder that life is fleeting and that they needed to keep their priorities in line.
While the monks’ practice of staring at skulls and keeping their deaths ever before them seems depressing, both the psalmist and the teacher connect the practice of considering the fleeting nature of life with gaining true wisdom (Ecclesiastes 7:4). The psalmist prayed, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). So does that mean we should be morbid and depressed all the time? No, the exact opposite!
The wisdom of remembering how little time we have on this earth enables us to love and cherish others and to be grateful for the moments we share with them (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Remembering our death can motivate us to celebrate life and to make good choices, to accept God’s plans and the things He allows to enter our lives (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14). Ideally, the practice of remembering the brevity of our lives will guide us in filtering out what’s important from what is not. It should drive us to Jesus and experiencing the abundant life He has provided to flow in and through us (John 10:10).
Have we been unwisely and perhaps ungratefully using our precious time on things that don’t really matter—that are “meaningless”? (Ecclesiastes 7:6). Instead, since we don’t know how many days we’ve been given, let’s ask ourselves, “What will we do with the life God has given us today?” For as James put into words, “[Our] life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14). Now that’s perspective.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 14:15-31
More:
Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and consider what Moses said about life and death.
Next:
What impact has the brevity of life been having on your priorities? How can thinking about death be good or bad?
Gary Shultz on September 15, 2015 at 7:09 am
I had to smile a little when I read this account. I know the time you were referring to, mirrors were not a standard item; however, I find all I need is a mirror and I can spare the skull. As morbid as it may sound I’m glad life is short, why not, when you know where you are going and who you will see, life gets a little grinding sometimes. Ok, I’m thankful for health blessings, family and enjoyable things here, but I am certain so much more awaits. I bet my life on it. Thanks
Marlena Graves on September 15, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Gary, your comment reminds me of Paul saying in Philippians “I can’t decide what to do. To live is Christ, but to die is gain.” He knew, at least he had a foretaste of the nearly unimaginable glory and bliss awaiting us when he was taken up into the third heaven.
Mike Wittmer on September 15, 2015 at 7:19 am
This is the truth! I daily think about my mortality, how easily I could die in an accident or some other way I never saw coming. Rather than paralyze me with fear, I find that this awareness inspires me to enjoy each moment more fully.
Marlena Graves on September 15, 2015 at 6:34 pm
Mike,
You and I are the same in this. I daily think of my mortality. Not with morbidity, but as I mentioned above and as you said in your comment, it helps me treasure the now and those in front of me.
Tom Felten on September 15, 2015 at 8:39 am
Marlena, I’m reminded of these verses: “Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58). Instead of “meaningless” or “useless”, what we do for the Lord is of the highest value!
Marlena Graves on September 15, 2015 at 6:35 pm
“What we do for the Lord is of the highest value” – even if others don’t see it and we are not in lights. Yes!