Vaporous Living

James 4:14 - "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."

The word James uses to convey "vapor" in this verse is from the Greek word "aēr," which means "the lower and denser air as distinguished from the higher and rarer air." James knew better than to use the Greek word "pneuma" because this would imply the eternality of the soul and spirit rather than the temporality of our earthly body. The word vapor here speaks of "the atmospheric region." Our eternal being suggests we possess a spirit and a soul that will one day inhabit "the heavenly region" with our Creator, or the lowest depths of hell with the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).

The author's comparison to our life as a vapor should put expediency in our hearts regarding our short stay upon this earth. How are we spending our time? Are we making selfish plans or are they continually filtered through a humble prayer of "if it be Your will, O God?" How we regard our vaporous life on earth will determine our eternal life in the age to come, beloved.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).