What does it mean that life is a vapor?

Answer

James 4:14 states, “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” A vapor is a fine mist like fog. It quickly dissipates when the sun rises. It has no substance and leaves nothing behind. Comparing our lives to a vapor illustrates how fleeting our days on this earth are.

Life can feel endless at times, but the Bible reminds us that, in comparison to eternity, an individual life on earth is like a vapor chased away by the morning sun. It is crucial to acknowledge the brevity of life so that we do not waste the time we have been given. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” God wants us to live with purpose, recognizing that the clock is ticking towards the moment we pass through death’s portal and enter our eternal state. At that moment, the books are closed, and we will begin to experience the consequences of our choices on earth (Hebrews 9:27;Romans 14:10;cf: Luke 16:19-31).

During our brief time on earth, we should live with eternity always in view. Whether we live 5 years or 105, our lives are still as fleeting as a vapor. Even Jesus felt the urgency of doing God’s work while the opportunity remained. He said, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” «I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. », (John 9:4).

Recognizing that our lives are like a vapor adds a serious tone to our daily activities. People in privileged parts of the world often waste time on frivolous pursuits that hold no lasting value. While entertainment is enjoyable, it is essential to remember the transient nature of life and focus on what truly matters in the grand scheme of eternity.

Events and relaxation are essential parts of a healthy life, but they should never be our primary purpose for living. Our lives are fleeting, which means we may not have tomorrow; living with that awareness keeps us focused on what truly matters. Our prayer each morning could be, “Lord, thank you for another day. May I do something today that will hold eternal significance.” When we live with eternity in mind, we prioritize accumulating treasures in heaven «Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. », (Luke 12:33). Recognizing that life is fleeting compels us to feel uneasy about wasting time and eager to invest in God’s work.

In his analogy of life as a vapor, James was cautioning his audience against being too confident in their plans because, ultimately, they were not in control of their plans. The God who governs all things may override our intentions. If we are not holding onto our earthly possessions loosely, having our plans disrupted can be devastating (James 4:13-16). God often permits hardships in our lives to remind us that this world is not our permanent residence (Philippians 1:27;Philippians 3:20). Our time here is as fleeting as a vapor, disappearing in an instant. Like a breath on a cold day, our lives appear briefly and then vanish from this earth. All those who are part of God’s family «Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. », (John 3:3) will, upon death, gather in their eternal rewards.

Stay at home and forever enjoy the rewards of serving the Lord on earth (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).