Seven Stages of Life

Seven Stages of Life

the stages of life all have challenges and triumphs

The stages of life all have challenges and triumphs.

You live, you love, and you die. Perhaps that is oversimplification. Life can be smooth and easy one moment and a combined skydiving, bull ride the next. Getting in and out of this world can even be complex. 7 stages of the human life are explored below. In common terms, the stages are in order: 1) Infancy, 2) Youth; 3) Early adulthood, 4) Midlife adulthood, 5) Seasoned adulthood, 6) Senior adulthood, and ultimately 7) Death. For the purposes of this discussion they will be named in more notable terms. While the stages cannot always be nailed to exact ages, nor are they applicable to every person, there is a large portion of people who slide easily into them.

Stage 1 – Adorability
In the beginning, amidst pain, tears, and hope, a little alien creature who looks like it has been dipped in transmission fluid enters the world. It is naked, surrounded by strangers, and then wacked on the behind. The reaction of the proud parents and lookers on is smiles, oohs and ahs, and joy. This tiny human is a miracle of God. It has adorability! It is also helpless and without understanding. The infant does not have any idea it has two parents on its side who would give anything to make sure it is happy. Yet, its greatest asset is the fact it has been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). The child has not come in the world with hate in its heart. It has not come bearing a grudge. The infant has not inherited sin (Ezekiel 18:20). The infant does not know it was created perfect and upright in the sight of God (Ezekiel 28:15, Ecclesiastes 7:29). The infant has no clue the rest of mankind is encouraged to be renewed to a true self which is like the infant – the image of God (Colossians 3:10).

The infant, soon to be a young child, is in a state of adorability. People will hang on every coo, grin, and laugh. They will relish and remember the first steps. They will recall the first words with the same happiness as if the child had found a gold mine. How many pictures have been taken of the child with green peas all over their head? And floor? And wall? And parent? Adorability! The child only needs to grow at this stage. As a Christian grows on the milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2), the child grows on milk and onto other more mature foods. Their minds are great sponges at this time. What they see and are taught, they input in preparation for the future. Historically, Jewish children were taught the written Torah (First 5 books of the Bible and Prophets) at the age of five and by the age of ten the Oral torah (verbal explanation of the laws). Were they adorable? Yes. Treated as if their young brains couldn’t learn? No. Man has a responsibility to prepare their children for life (Proverbs 22:6).

Stage 2 – Accountability
This stage of human life is characterized by an understanding of instruction and consequences. The question has oft been asked about when a child is accountable. Looking back in history again, Jewish children were considered accountable to the law at the ages of 12 for girls and 13 for boys. So is this the God given age to be accountable? Chronicles 34:1-2 speaks of King Josiah, “Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.” He was eight. Jesus at the age of 12 understood he was accountable to the Father (Luke 2:49). Children reach the age of accountability at different ages. If they can receive instruction and understand the consequence to it, they have reached that point. When they know they have transgressed instruction and it pains their conscience, they have reached the stage of accountability. They are no longer in the stage of innocent adorability.

The age of accountability is not that of adulthood. Yes, there are some folks that seem to shirk accountability into adulthood (Proverbs 18:2), but that does not mean they are not accountable. The age of accountability begins when the child is still reliant upon others. Their family takes the responsibility for feeding, clothing, educating, and caring for them. They need discipline as well (Proverbs 22:15). There is a need for continual growth in knowing God (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The child is but a novice in a great big world. In the age of accountability the following is said about Jesus: “ And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52) Jesus not only grew in physically and in wisdom, but also in His spiritual relationship with God, and social relationship with men. These steps of growth prepared Him to engage the challenges he would meet.

Stage 3 – Acceptability
For the Jewish man, his profession began when he turned 20. For the American, it often begins at 18 or 19. There are similarities in other countries. This is the time of acceptability. The young adult accepts responsibility for themselves and quite frequently within a short time the responsibility of caring for others. The stage of acceptability is characterized by searching for an identity in society. Who are they really? What are their goals? Are they prepared to accept the responsibility most young adults crave? Will they step up or fall into laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Will they forget their father’s instruction (Proverbs 9:6)?

The stage of acceptability is a time not only of accepting full responsibility for self, home, family, work, and spiritual life, but also finding acceptance from society by being productive. Many a young adult has entered this stage rebellious and lazy. They try to throw off accountability, but will find they cannot succeed in doing so. They will also find in not accepting responsibility, wide portions of society will reject them. This is a time of growth and some of the most difficult ups and downs an adult can experience. Mistakes in behavior, relationships, and everyday decisions characterize this stage. Though parents have tried to prepare the young adult for this timeframe, a great deal of pain is often felt during this period – especially if the Bible is not the guiding force in the person’s life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Growth must continue! Preparation for the future is an issue, unfortunately, the now, the moment, is often embraced by the young adult (Proverbs 12:15).

Stage 4 – Adjustability
The midlife crisis or the stage of adjustability is very common. The young adult full of confidence, dreams, and energy hits the point where they realize they are late 30’s / early 40’s and things have not turned out as they expected. Perhaps they don’t have the possessions they thought they would. Perhaps their health is already at a risky stage. It is possible they have ruined relationships, are deep in debt, and have nothing to show for 20 years of self-indulgence and poor decision making. Reality comes into focus at this point for many. They are seeing the effects their decisions have made on their own children. They are lost and perhaps death seems a lot closer to them than ever. The prodigal son comes to mind (Luke 15). He left home thinking he had the world by the tail. After a period of time, he found himself broke, alone, and wanting to eat what the pigs were eating. Things didn’t turn out how he thought they would.

The stage of adjustment is about making a change to better things. Many former drug addicts describe a point of realization about their destructive behavior. They made adjustment to their life and dropped the bad habits. Midlife is in no sense the end. It’s the middle of a race, where you stop to lace up your shoes, take a drink of water, and wipe the sweat off your forehead. It is a time to focus on the prize, not looking behind, but forward to the great possibility of the future (Philippians 3:13-14). This applies spiritually (as in the context of the mentioned verse) and to daily events. This time is really when a person finds the identity they were looking for years before. Reality stares right back at them at asks, “What are you going to do now?” Without hesitation, the best step is cling to God and look for His direction (Matthew 5:3). God has given man the answers (2 Peter 1:3). Most certainly, the solution to the problems at hand is focus on the things above and not below (Colossians 3:2). God is going to take care of the basics of life if man puts Him first (Matthew 6:33). When a focus of priorities is straight, good stewardship, continued work, and service to God will be the adjustment needed. This humbling time is when man often realizes after half a lifetime, he really has room to grow in being a better person. This is also when preparations for the future really come into focus (Luke 14:28-33, Ephesians 6:15)

Stage 5 – Admirability
The stage of admirability is when years of experience, responsibility, and stability are recognized. Fewer mistakes are made at this point in life. The individual is entrusted with greater responsibilities whether at work, within society, or in His Church. This person understands that God knows His sins and his foolish past is an open book (Psalm 69:5). The difference between now and then is he has gained wisdom. He has turned his life around and become a mature man. He has become part of the “and such were some of you” crowd (I Corinthians 6:11). Often the fulfillment of financial blessings becomes evident at this point in life. 30 years of ups and downs have finally brought a sigh of relief. Perhaps the boat, the quads, the travel trailer, and a larger home, have been procured. Having found his identity in the face of crisis, what will be the identity in the face of success? Will he turn from or embrace God further?

The stage of admirability has its challenges and opportunities to be sure. Ego and desire can easily rear their ugly heads (I John 2:16). Due to the fact, this individual has braved the waters of life and survived, folks look to him as an example. If all of the bad habits have not been tossed aside, this can be trouble. The wrong influence can be a great destroyer (Luke 6:29, I Corinthians 8:9-13, I Corinthians 15:33). However, great good can also be done at this time of life. The energy level is still good. The ability to get things done is present. The network of connections has been built. People will be willing to follow, because they admire and believe. The choice of direction is in within the hand of the individual. Romans 12:2: “And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. What will happen with this God given opportunity? The wise man will continue to build his relationship with God. He will see himself as nothing without God. He will work to continue growing (2 Peter 3:18). This stage is but a plateau extending to higher peaks. There is still much life left and proper preparation for the future is required.

Stage 6 – Advisability
The highest physical stage met in life is that of a senior. Yet, it may also be characterized by fragility of body. The aches and pains have increased, movement is slower, and strength will never be what it was. Sometimes the thoughts won’t come back to memory as quick as desired. Many look upon this as a time of futility or even senility. What a terrible misconception! A lifetime of experiences and a wealth of knowledge dwells within the senior adult. The ability to direct and advise others to avoid the pitfalls of life is at its peak. A life properly led gives the senior adult the highest of qualifications to lead. God has stated in times past: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly.” (Leviticus 19:32) Job a faithful man of God declared in Job 12:12, “Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding.”

One of the biggest challenges for the senior is not giving up on life. Many societies look to a weaker body and gray hair as a sign of uselessness. This is the foolish wisdom of men. Not only does the senior have the responsibility to guide society, but their sphere of influence ranges from the senior to the young mind of their grandchildren. It is quite possible the senior no longer works a secular job. Rather than sit and do nothing with the time, neglected tasks of the past can be accomplished. For the spiritually minded individual, this is a time to be very active in teaching and studying with others. It will be found the greatest joy at this stage in helping others. The senior should not worry about dynamics. Dynamics is not what God desires, he desires the truth be spread (I Corinthians 2:1-2). For the one who has neglected God, his whole life, it is time to wake up (Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 2:2-3). Is the senior sure he is fine in the eyes of God? Paul told the Corinthian people, “Let he who thinks he stands, beware, lest he fall.” (I Corinthians 10:12) A senior adult can be a great joy and blessing to all around them. They can inspire, encourage, and comfort. The senior is a light which should not be covered, but shone brightly for all (Luke 11:33). In these moments, the senior should continue to grow in their relationship with God and men. The preparation for the stage of admissibility should not be delayed.

Stage 7 – Admissibility
In reflection upon all of the stages, it will be noted this last stage is quite different. It is greater than simply the unique ending “ibility” vs. the other six stages of “ability”. Though, the other stages have been influenced by one’s abilities and the abilities of others. The stage of admissibility is man before God. Will man be admissible into the kingdom of heaven? The judgment will be a direct reflection of the decisions a man has made in his lifetime. There will be no more time to change. There will be no second chances.

Matthew 16:27 – For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Romans 2:6-9 …[God] will render to every man according to his works: to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil…

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 – …and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.

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Bible Time

I Don’t Have Time to Read the Bible

are you making time for the bible

Are You Making Time for the Bible?

Time is something that is limited.  There are 60 minutes in every hour.  There are 24 hours in a day.  7 Days in a week.  By the time, one is done eating, sleeping, traveling to and from work, working, meeting the family responsibility, when is there time to read the Bible!

When the world hears those words, they buy into them.  How could anyone take much time to study the Bible!  We are just too busy!  Well, my friends, that is nothing more than a lie.  The only part of truth in it is that time is limited.  We have a limited time, from birth to our death to know our God and what He wishes for our life.

Ecc 12:13 This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

With knowledge from God like this, how can we ignore his pleas?

At work, if you have a boss who asks you to make it your top priority to mail a package for him, do you just let the box sit on your desk all day?  No!  You hop to it because know there will be serious repercussions if the work isn’t done.

Again, how can we ignore the Creator of all, when he pleas for us to follow his commandments?  A Creator who in John 3:16 has His desire expressed that “None should Perish”?

What will it gain us if we say, “I had time to do the laundry, but, I lost my soul.” ”I had time to watch a great movie, but I lost my soul.” “I had time to finish an education, but I never educated my soul and it has perished.”

Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

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Persistence and Repentance

Persistence and Repentance

Some years ago, Eddie Watkins  encouraged me to make various changes to one of my websites. For one reason or another, I have rejected his ideas over this time. Yet, he kept on making suggestions to me about how to bring more people to the sites. He was complimentary about the potential, but preached with persistence about the need for change.

do you practice persistence

Do You Practice Persistence?

In this article, I want to discuss his actions and my actions in relation to three parables. I also want to make application to the Christian and Non-Christian.

Luke 18:1-8
This is a parable of a widow woman who sought out justice from a judge over a wrong to her. Yet, the judge was not interested in man or God, but in himself. After awhile though he considered her effect upon him and whether through annoyance or concern for his reputation he gave in to her pleas. One of the lessons to be taken from the parable is that if one such as this uncaring judge will answer calls for justice, how much more certain is it that a loving, caring God will do so. A second item that stands out is the persistence of the woman. Things looked bleak for her. They looked as if the judge would do nothing. Yet, she kept her faith that justice would prevail. Will anyone have that faith at the end of all things when many will have given up hope? Will there be persistence in calling upon God?

Now, to be clear, I am not calling Eddie an old woman. However, he has been persistent with me. He has desired that I change certain things. Yet, like the judge, I did not lend my ear to him as I should have. Fortunately, Eddie did not given up. He kept on like a bulldog. Why? He is concerned about souls. He wants the Truth of God put in the hands, hearts, and minds of men. Sometimes he has been subtle. Other times he has been direct. He had hope that somewhere along the line, I would respond to his pleas. He had faith that I would come around, not for his sake, but to further glorify God.

I can relate persistence to my brothers and sisters in Christ as well. Often, I see preachers, elders, and Christians pleading with those who have sin in their lives. They call upon them to change. Whether it be along the lines of modesty, attendance, personal lifestyles, study, or a whole host of other topics, they persistently encourage them to change. Yet, the words and or behaviors of the individual are constantly, “No”. The individual may clearly understand why they need to change, that the brothers and sisters love them, that they are right in their concerns, and yet, for whatever reason they refuse to alter their actions.

On the topic of non-Christians, Christians frequently approach strangers, friends, and family to share with them the Words of the Bible. Many folks plug their ears. Others, admit they know what God would have them to do with their lives, but they do not want to change at this point in their life. How many folks do you know that won’t talk religion? It is taboo at family gatherings. Yet, bless their hearts, there are Christians who despite decades of refusal from others, keep on sharing the truth. They keep the faith. They have hope that change will be made while there is still time.

Luke 11:5-8
In this parable, a man has a visitor come in late. He has nothing with to feed him or care for him, so he goes to his neighbor friend to ask for provisions. It is midnight. The neighbor is asleep. He is warm in his bed. He does not want to get up for his friend. The fact that he is a friend is not going to get him out of bed. However, in this parable is the word “importunity”. Albert Barnes called this “troublesome” or “improper” perseverance. In other words, yes, it was not proper to refuse to take “No” for an answer at midnight when his friend was in bed asleep. Still, because of his importunity, the neighbor gets out of bed and gives him whatever he wants. Once again, application here is that God is loving and kind and if you seek with Him you will find. With man it’s not so easy. Again though, there is a second observation I want to take from the parable. That is the flat out refusal by the man seeking to take “no” as an answer.

Eddie ignoring my words and actions over time, kept at me. It was like a kid asking for a cookie. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “Yes, fine! Take 5 of them!” Now, he would change tactics. He would say things in different ways. He would make comments to make me think about what he had said before. But, he never gave up on me. Boy it was annoying sometimes. (Thanks Eddie!).

Christians, we need to be this way with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we know they need to fix certain things in their lives, we have to keep at them. Be bold, be subtle, be annoying, do whatever it is you have to do, but don’t take “no” for an answer. “By all means save some!” There are folks who will never listen to you. Do what you can. Speak to them. Speak to their family. Speak to their friends. Speak to groups around them. Give them books. Send them cards. Drop by videos. Leave a tract. Put the message on the radio if you have to do so.

Non-Christians need the same attention. Yes, there will be times you dust your feet off. However, you keep putting the Word out. You hope they will hear about it. You hope they will change. You hope they remember your words years later in life. You pray that their hearts will soften and their ears will hear. Do not accept Satan’s boast that they have no chance. God can change hearts, minds, and behaviors.

Mat. 21:28-30
In this text Jesus is discussing Authority with the Scribes and Pharisees. He presents them with a parable where a father tells his two sons to go work in the field. The first says he will do so, but doesn’t. The second say he won’t do it, but then he does. The question is who does the will of the father. Of course, the answer is the first one.

Eddie’s concern has not been over a sin of mine, but it has been over how we can further glorify God. He kept at me. He was persistent. He was probably importune. However, I have repented, that is, changed. I have decided that anything worth pestering me about for over a year was worth my attention. Especially since I knew he was right. So I have begun to make certain changes on my website to further spread the gospel. I am glad he kept on knocking despite me not answering the door.

If you are a Christian who has been being pestered by other Christians about certain behaviors for which you need to repent, why do you not listen to these people? Do you think that they do not care about you? Do you think they are not worried about your soul? Do you think you know more than all of them? That you stand on an island all by yourself? If they are standing with the Bible, you are standing all by yourself. Yet, they keep reaching for you. Stop the sin. Alter the behavior. Change! You will glorify God when you do.

If you are a non-Christian, who is constantly “annoyed” by Christians talking about God, who is tired of the door knocking, who is tired of the tracts, have you considered that these folks have your best interests at heart? Have you considered they might know something that you do not? Maybe you say, “I have my own religion”. If so, sit down with these folks and show them where they are wrong, but be prepared to accept the possibility you may be wrong. You may find you need to repent of the life you have led. God desires that “all men everywhere” repent. He has stated that if you are following in actions that do not have his authority, you will suffer an eternal punishment. The folks who are doggedly trying to share His word with you do not want to see that happen. Be the son who said “no”, but then repented. There is no reward in persisting in sin.

I hope it is well observed that I have thought a lot about the persistence of a friend. You don’t have to be in sin to learn better ways and improve yourself. We can all grow in our actions such that we further Glorify God. We can all aid and encourage one another to change for the better.

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Please Like Me!

Question of Liking

Girls ask themselves this question. Guys ask the same thing too. Movie stars ask this question. First grade teachers ask it as well. This question greatly troubles some individuals, while others don’t struggle with it too much. Yet, the question is there. There are people who make this the objective of their life. It does not matter what they have to do, they will do it to bring about the desired result. Many parents worry about this with their children. They do so to their own detriment. Politicians typically don’t care about this as long as they get votes. Someone looking for a lifelong relationship deeply contemplates this question, because it will affect who they marry.

does having people like you drive your actions

Does Having People Like You Drive Your Actions?

The actress Sally Field received an Oscar for her role in Places in the Heart. During her acceptance speech in a reference to another role she played, she stated “The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!” Therein is the question at the heart of the matter. “Do they really like me?” How can a person be sure? Is there a test? Most people would like to know the answer to this question before they put their trust in someone else. Of course, in some situations such as a banker and their customers, the relationship must not always rely on liking for there to be trust. Still, a great number of people will not do their banking in certain places unless this attribute exists.

StumbleUpon, Facebook, Youtube, and other social networks utilize “liking”. Do they really like me? Sorry, but if the “likes” counter doesn’t go crazy, many folks feel they aren’t liked. How many “friends” does an individual have on their messenger type program or their email list? Is this how they should measure their worth or contribution to society? It is conceded the answer is no, but still… people want to be liked. They want to have some type of measure to determine it is real – not just a “click through”. Of course, social media has enabled the “review” or “comment” field. This is great! However, is summarizing an article or pointing out its positive characteristics a direct reflection regarding how one individual feels toward another? It should be hoped not or a great number of authors may be jumping off bridges when they receive their editor’s comments and revision points.

It has been said, “To have a friend, you must be a friend.” The concept behind this is if you want to be liked, be likeable. “All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them” were the words Jesus spoke. This seems to confirm the logic of being a friend to have a friend. Jesus spoke many words of social harmony including “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Certainly, acting in an opposite fashion will not gather people who really like you. They may pretend for other reasons, but they won’t like the person you are. However, being likeable doesn’t always guarantee a great number of true friends either.

Being liked should not be an end in itself. There are politicians who have taken the politically correct, please the world view, so nice things will be said about them, while at the same time pointing their countries down economic and moral ruin. The desire to be liked should not point actions in an opposite direction to moral absolutes. How many people contradict themselves from one day to the next just to get “likes” from those who won’t be happy if they speak the truth? What will be found in a review of history is those who spoke truth were most greatly liked and hated by the world around them. They didn’t let poll numbers sway their conviction from doing what was right. Everyone does not have to be a friend in order for an individual to be liked.

While there is not a fool proof test to determine whether or not someone likes you, there are some indicators from a person’s life that give strong indications.

1) Is the individual’s behavior toward you drastically different from the way they treat others? If this is the case, beware! For a person to act completely out of character toward you, is very possibly a sign they “like” you so they can get something out of it. Popularity? Money? Power?

2) Is the individual known as a kind, honest person? The quality of a person and their track record of interaction with others is something which has a high correlation. If they say they like you, they most likely do.

3) Does this individual ask and think about your welfare or are they just concerned about themselves? It is sad how many relationships go on for years when it is realized the relationship was one sided from the beginning. Liking someone means being concerned about their feelings and needs, not just that of self. Many marriages fail for lack of this understanding this concept.

4) Will this person tell you when you are wrong and try to help you do what is right? “Yes men” are not concerned about the well being of others. A person who really likes you will kindly disagree and try to enable you to make better decisions. They won’t desert you when opinions clash.

The question of being liked is pondered by folks the whole world over. For the individual who desires to be liked, their job is to be the type of person someone would want to have as a friend. They should not compromise values or truth to be liked. When pondering if one’s associates are truly friends, the character of the persons being considered must be examined. At that point you determine what you are going to do, trust or not trust? End the friendship or try to strengthen it. If it feels like humankind can no longer be trusted, maybe consider buying a dog. Then you can be liked and licked.

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

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Laying Life Down

Laying Life Down

Jesus speaking to the Pharisees in John 10:17-18 stated: “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” The conversation surrounded the fact that Jesus came into the world as a shepherd and savior. As such, He would lay His life down for His sheep, those faithful to God (John 10:4). Unlike a normal Shepherd, Jesus stands out because of his authority over death. He could give up his life and yet, take it again.

The faithful of God do not have the power to take up their lives after death as Jesus did, however, they do have the power to lay down their lives so their Shepherd can lift them up. Jesus established man must lose his life to gain it in Matthew 16:24-25, “… If any one wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” Accordingly, the apostle Paul stated in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”

It is apparent from the passages above that there are two lives being discussed. The first life is the ending of the physical life which all men experience. The second life being laid down is the sinful life of a man. As sheep who hear the voice of their shepherd and follow, the laying down of a sinful life is submission to Jesus. Jesus has the authority to lift up man from both deaths, but man must make the choice to lay down the second.

Paul’s description of the life in which he had been lifted up in Christ was characterized as one in which Christ lived in him. When Paul addresses the Romans he describes the laying down of the sinful life. “…How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:2-4) He further gives direction for that new life in Colossians 3:1-4, “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”

The choice of the faithful to lay aside a sinful life and seek things which are above (Philippians 4:8) provides the hope of promise. The promise is that the Jesus the Good Shepherd will lift the physical body of man up when He returns in the clouds (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

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