Life is short—enjoy it to the fullest?

 

1. Acknowledge the Shortness of Life

Many great minds have recognized life’s brevity:

• Steve Jobs (Apple co-founder): "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life." Yet, despite his success, he faced death uncertainly.
• Pascal (Philosopher): "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God." He understood earthly pleasures fade.

Gospel Bridge: If life is short, shouldn’t we seek what lasts forever? Jesus offers eternal life (John 3:16)—not just temporary happiness.

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2. Famous Figures Who Realized Their Error

Many sought meaning in wealth, fame, or philosophy but found emptiness without Christ:

A. Leo Tolstoy (Author of War and Peace)

• Struggle: Despite fame, he wrote, "My life is meaningless."
• Discovery: After reading the Gospels, he surrendered to Christ, finding peace in Matthew 11:28.

B. C.S. Lewis (Atheist Turned Apologist)

• Struggle: He called God "cosmic sadist" before his conversion.
• Discovery: In Mere Christianity, he wrote: "I gave in and admitted God was God… perhaps the most dejected convert in all England."

C. Augustine (Philosopher & Sinner Turned Saint)

• Struggle: Lived for pleasure, famously praying, "Give me chastity, but not yet."
• Discovery: Found fulfillment in Christ: "You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

Gospel Invitation: Like them, you can admit that life’s pursuits fall short. Jesus said:

"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36)

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3. Why Jesus is the Only Way

• Truth: Jesus didn’t just teach—He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
• Proof: His resurrection validates His claim (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• Invitation: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13).

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4. Closing Appeal: Receive Eternal Life Today

Life is short, but eternity is forever. Like Tolstoy, Lewis, and Augustine, you can turn to Christ:

1. Admit your need (Romans 3:23).
2. Believe Jesus died for you (Romans 5:8).
3. Receive Him as Lord (John 1:12).

Prayer: "God, I acknowledge my need for You. Forgive my sins. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again. Save me and give me eternal life in Jesus’ name. Amen."