These words were originally penned by the first century Roman philosopher, Seneca to highlight the importance of the quality of the life that we live over the quantity of the days we live.

At the same time as Seneca, Paul encouraged the Ephesians with similar words when he wrote,
“So be careful then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17

A great example of a life that modelled the words, “It is not how long we live, but rather how well we live”, is the life of John the Baptist. His ministry lasted only about six months before he was wrongfully imprisoned and executed at the command of a compromising king.

And yet Jesus could say of John’s short ministry, “Truly I tell you among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11
John completed his life’s calling in less then a year confirming that it is not how long we live, but rather how well we live the one life that God has entrusted to us and how focused we live that life.

In my senior years my great ambition is more and more reflected in the words of the hymn,
“Rise up, O men of God
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of Kings.”     William Merrill

More than ever before I am determined to know my calling and live by my convictions and have done with lesser things. How about you? You cannot know how long you will live, but you can choose how well you will live. Make a decision today to have done with lesser things so you can fulfill God’s purposes for the life He has entrusted to you, for however long that will be.

Note: all scripture quoted from the New International Version