In the journey of life, we often look to examples from Scripture for guidance and perspective. Methuselah, the longest-lived human recorded in Genesis 5:27, lived for 969 years. Yet, Psalm 90:10 reminds us that 70 years is the span of our lives, or 80 if we are strong. This sets a framework for us to consider how we use our time on earth, particularly in the context of living for Jesus. When our 70 years are over, what treasures have we laid for heaven? This is a question of age and responsibility.
Stages of life and spiritual growth
Life can be divided into distinct stages, each presenting unique opportunities for spiritual growth and service:
1. 0-12 years (childhood)
This stage is marked by early development, where children are beginning to form their understanding of the world, values and faith. It is a formative period when foundational beliefs are established, often influenced by family, church and schooling. During this phase, children are generally receptive to instruction, authority and modelling of faith. While in the process of developing their understanding of faith, they may not yet have the communication skills or life experience to engage deeply in evangelism. Their cognitive and emotional development is still in progress, and they are generally more focused on receiving instruction than giving it.
2. 13-39 years (Adolescence to Early Adulthood)
This is a wide-ranging and dynamic phase, encompassing adolescence, young adulthood and early middle age. It is a time of significant personal growth, identity formation and exploration of one’s purpose. Many life milestones occur here—education, careers, relationships, marriage and parenting. Individuals also begin making their own decisions about their faith, often deciding whether to continue the beliefs they were raised with.
This age group is often the most dynamic in evangelism, but they may become less active during periods of transition or personal crisis. For example, during college or early career years, some may struggle with their faith, leading to a temporary withdrawal from church and evangelistic activities. Additionally, societal pressures, peer influence or uncertainty about personal beliefs can make some individuals hesitant to live for Christ or share their faith. Sadly, many may squander their years of opportunity on pursuits that do not honour God.
3. 40-59 years (middle adulthood)
Middle adulthood is often a period of high responsibility, with work, family and other life commitments taking priority. Individuals in this stage may find it difficult to balance evangelistic efforts with their busy schedules. As they become more focused on career progression, raising children or maintaining their household, active participation in outreach programs may decline. Church and evangelism can become more relational rather than dynamic, as time constraints and responsibilities limit their capacity for broader outreach.
4. 60 + years (senior years)
This stage involves reflection and legacy-building. Many people are retired and have time to devote to things they feel are most meaningful, including faith and family. It’s a period where most people often contemplate their mortality and the eternal significance of their lives. Physical limitations such as health issues, mobility restrictions or general ageing can reduce the capacity to engage in active evangelism. While seniors may continue to witness in more passive or relational ways (through personal testimonies, advice and wisdom giving), they may not participate as dynamically in evangelistic efforts like they did in earlier stages. Their approach may become more reflective and supportive, such as through prayer or mentoring rather than direct outreach.
Remembering Your Creator
The wisest man who ever lived provides us with this advice: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
This verse admonishes us to remember our Creator in our youth; in our early age; a time when our decisions shape the course of our lives. This is because our latter years (in this life or the next) depend on our early years. When we have reached our 60+ years, then we realise we have made the right choice, leaving us no room for regret because we know we have faithfully served our God, others and have lived life to its fullest.
Consider the illustration (pictured right):
The long, white part of the rope represents the vast expanse of eternity (heaven). This vividly contrasts our brief earthly existence (70 years), represented by the small black section. God has given us the small black section to prepare for the white section. In other words, our existence on earth is a gift from God to be used to live for Jesus and enjoyed with one another. It is not be squandered. Oh, how we think we have all the world to ourselves. This analogy underscores the importance of prioritising our eternal destination over temporal pursuits.
Pilgrims in this world
As pilgrims in this world, our ultimate home is heaven. Every action, decision and sacrifice should be viewed through the lens of eternity. In Matthew 6, Jesus Himself urged us to store up treasures in heaven, highlighting the impermanence of earthly achievements compared to eternal rewards:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (verses 19,20).
In today’s world, striving for wealth, knowledge, or influence is not inherently wrong; in fact, the Bible highlights individuals (Abraham, Job, Joseph) who were wealthy and prosperous yet remained devoted to God. Their abundance was viewed as a divine gift, used to glorify and honour God.
In contrast, modern society often pushes us to chase success at any cost, seeking recognition and validation. Yet, this pursuit can lead us astray when the attainment of our goals eclipses our gratitude towards God, who is the ultimate source of blessings.
This dilemma is compounded by life’s brevity. If all our efforts are solely self-focused, we risk neglecting our spiritual responsibilities until it is too late to make a meaningful impact for God. This realisation may come in our later years, when our capabilities are diminished or circumstances unexpectedly change.
The question then remains, when our 70 years are over, what treasures have we laid for heaven?
A call to live wisely
The appeal is clear: choose to be on God’s side and serve Him wholeheartedly. Quoting from Matthew 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?” Are we overly focused on short-term gains and pleasures, or are we mindful of our spiritual journey and ultimate destiny? Jesus challenges us to consider what truly matters in the end—our souls and our relationship with God. Therefore, let us live wisely, making the most of our time on earth to impact eternity. There is no room for wasted years or misplaced priorities when our souls are at stake.
In conclusion, our 70 years on earth are a precious gift, an opportunity to glorify God and prepare for our eternal home. Let us heed the wisdom of Scripture, live intentionally for Jesus and invest in what truly lasts—for eternity awaits those who faithfully serve their Creator.
Harold Taronmal is an intern minister at Pepsi Time church, Santo, Ambrym Island, Vanuatu.
