This Life Is a Single-Use Opportunity

Whether we realize it or not, life is an opportunity. An opportunity that does not come twice.

Inheriting the abundant wealth of Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping king, did not automatically make his daughter Christina happy. Christina Onassis once said that she was the richest woman in the world at that time, and at the same time the unhappiest woman. After four divorces, Christina kept searching for happiness. Sadly, she died at the age of 37 from a heart attack triggered by a long-term eating disorder.

Life is an opportunity that does not come twice. So, how do we build a meaningful life?

Here are three guidelines for creating a meaningful life without regrets:

1. Every Day Matters

You may have shopped using a single-use voucher . Once redeemed, its validity is over. It cannot be used for the same reward . In the same way, when we are born, we receive a single-use ‘ticket’ that can be used to the fullest or lived out in vain.

"... yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:14

We all have a choice in how to live our lives. Whatever your choice, remember that what you do today is IMPORTANT, because this life is an opportunity that can vanish at any time.

2. Do Not Look Back

Christina’s parents divorced when she was still little. In less than three years, before turning twenty-five, she lost every member of her family, her brother and her parents, in various tragic events. A life haunted by the past caused Christina Onassis to fall into severe depression.

To avoid the same thing, let us learn to look ahead. Stop looking back. Forgive your past. Perhaps you have done foolish things in life. Forgive yourself. No one is without mistakes. Constantly looking back will keep you from moving forward.

Who you were in the past is not important. What matters is who you are right now. Looking back will waste your time. Focus on the future that God has promised, so that you can use your time well.

“... forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize, the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13b-14

3 Pursue Heavenly Things

Pursuing worldly things, without giving yourself rest and time to reflect, will leave your body and heart weary.

Perhaps you are focused on finding a life partner, but in the process, you forget the other people who love you. That effort to chase a soulmate causes the important things in your life to fall behind.

Or, you are busy pursuing achievement and wealth, then forget to make time for family. You sacrifice relationships and precious moments with your spouse or children. Worse still, you dull your conscience in order to reach your goals.

Pursuing worldly wealth is like chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Our eyes will never be satisfied with seeing, and our ears will never be satisfied with hearing (Ecclesiastes 1:8). And after gaining all of it through great effort, what do we bring to the realm of death? Nothing. All those achievements are only temporary (1 Corinthians 7:31b).

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” – 1 Timothy 6:11.

This life is a special opportunity that God has given. Achievement, money, and status will not save us when death comes. However, the love of Christ is always with us to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b). Rest your happiness in God, not in people. Ground all your efforts in prayer and the love of the Lord, and you will not regret anything.

“For we look not at what is seen, but at what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

This life is a single-use opportunity; let us use it as well as possible. Do not regret the past, or stay busy chasing worldly things that lead to destruction. Pursue heavenly things that are beneficial for the present and for the life to come. God bless you!

* Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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