The other day, I ran across a website called, “Lifespan Calculator.” It is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and it does just what its name implies. It asks you a series of questions and based on your answers to those questions, it calculates the age to which you can expect to live.

Hesitantly, I took the test. Some of the questions it asked centered on lifestyle and heredity. For example, it asked about my eating, smoking and drinking habits. I did well on the last two. The first one, not so much. It asked questions about my driving habits, exercise routine and family history. Again, it was a bit of mixed bag. It also asked some other questions about medical health and doctor visits.

After completing the test, I was not thrilled with my score. Years ago, I hoped to live until I was 85 – 90. Now, at 65, I am aiming for at least 100. My score actually suggested I will live to 83. Clearly, I have some things to work on.

However, one of the things that kept running through my mind were those words of Jesus, “I came that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.” (John 10:10) To Jesus, the issue has never been about how long we might live, but rather what we do with our days while we are alive. Jesus knew it is entirely possible to physically live to a ripe old age, and yet never really live at all. On the other hand, he also knew we could live complete and full lives, even in a short amount of time.

So, the real question for you and me is not, “How long will I live,” rather, “What will I do with this life that God has given to me?”

It’s something to ponder, don’t you think?

Blessings,
Dan