“Live Every Day Like It Is Your Last”

“Live Every Day Like It Is Your Last”

Posted by Jimmie Dale Burroughs, April 16, 2023

The title above is part of a quote, but where did it come from? It is most often attributed to Steve Jobs; he was fifty years old when he said those words in a speech; he said, “When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” Actually, he may have remembered a quote from Andrew’s novel published in 1964, “The Raker. It really does not matter where it came from; it is certainly a good way to live your life, considering no one is assured of living another day.

The point is clear we need to live every day as though it could be our last because one day it will be. The Scripture says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NKJV). Our days on earth are numbered; therefore, we need to have the wisdom to use them in the best possible way realizing that each day is significant. Knowing what is significant is important because that is what guides our lives.

Sometimes we may place the most significance on trivial and temporal things compared to those most important and eternal. Is it most important to some to spend their lives making money while missing out on living, and then when they finally die, their wealth is left to someone else. Sometimes we may place too much importance on things that go beyond our needs while sacrificing valuable time that could be spent enjoying those things God has already supplied.

It comes down to being content with what we have and placing our intentions on enjoying our life each day. It is so easy to get caught up in the circumstances of life while losing life’s real purpose, as recorded in the Bible: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Walking circumspectly is being careful to walk in a prudent way; discreetly: Being discreet or showing good judgment and showing restraint, especially in conduct or speech. The emphasis is living in a way that honors God each day.

The apostle Paul warned Christians to wake up and stop living in denial: “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11 NKJV). It seems that there were some who were actually sleeping spiritually. The Phillips translation, which seems more like a paraphrase, says, “Why all this stress on behavior? Because, as I think you have realized, the present time is of the highest importance—it is time to wake up to reality. Every day brings God’s salvation nearer.” So true; we hang only by a thread in this life, never knowing when that thread will break, sending us into eternity. The end of life is a great thing for those who are prepared; their salvation has arrived to them, but for the unprepared unbelievers, it is tragic; their doom is forever sealed.

Paul said, “Every day our salvation is nearer.” He was probably referring to the second coming of Christ, which is eminent and could happen at any moment. If you are looking for the second coming, you are living in the reality of the moment, which should make all the trivial matters you are concerned and worried about diminish in the light of it.

Normally, we think of living until we are old and then one day die. However, this year already, many have stepped into their artmobile to take their last trip. I visited the graveyard where my former wife is buried; as I walked along the long row of graves, I noticed that there were those from the age of toddlers and including people from every decade up to one hundred years buried in that one single row of graves. No matter what age you are, there is no guarantee that you will live another day.

Decide to live each day like it is your last. Take time to enjoy yourself. Tell those you love what they mean to you. Make each day count. Don’t put off your happiness until another time later when you retire or have more money. One day will be your last, so don’t put off doing what is needed or what you want to do.

Undoubtedly, we live in a day of uncertainty and chaos. It is easy to get so wound up in world events and stressed that we get our eyes off what matters most. Below are some things that may help you to start living just one day at a time to the fullest:

Trust in God: If you believe in Christ, you can take the twenty-third psalm to heart: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Be grateful for the life you have each day: “This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice, and be glad in it” (Psalms-118-24).

Discover your purpose in life: Prepare for your purpose and then get started. Each person has a purpose that only they can fulfill.

Enjoy God’s creation: Spend some time outside each week; According to research, Americans spend 93% of their time indoors. Being outside and enjoying the beauty of nature improves mental health. Enjoying nature is a way to grow stronger and happier.

Live in the moment: Treasure each moment; all we have is the present moment to be assured of, so take time to notice what is all around you; be in tune with your feelings and determine what it is that makes you feel the way you do and use mindfulness to make changes when your thoughts are negative and unlock your potential to be thankful that you are alive.

Take the time to be with the people you love: It is not your career, the things you own, or where you live that is the most important, it is your relationships. Enjoying relationships is part of what it means to live life to the fullest.

Prioritize the things that mean the most to you: Invest your time in things meaningful, that you care about, things that you enjoy, and things that are important and matter. It is easy to fall into the pattern of working all day, coming home and watching TV and going to bed, and missing out on life. Discover your values and then align your life with them. Out of the average 720 hours per month, how much time are you spending doing those things which matter most to you? It may be time to re-focus your life on what you care for most.

Discover how to help others with part of your time: “He who serves the most reaps the most.” — Jim Rohn. Sometimes just a smile and a few kind words can lift someone up. Set a goal to help someone whenever the opportunity comes your way.

Listen to your inner voice: “Learn to hear your inner voice, be led by your heart and never stop giving back — this way you shall always walk the right path and shall never be walking alone.” — Aleksej Metelko. To me, that voice is the Holy Spirit that dwells inside my spirit.

Find opportunities to Laugh: “Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” — Lord Byron. According to past research, laughter can relieve everyday stress and improve mental health.

Let this mind be in You: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin” — Mother Teresa. It is up to you; no one else can do it for you. Decide at this moment to begin living today like it was your last.