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EVERYONE DIES at the time God has fixed it. Thus, Jesus Christ died at a young age by the will of the Father after accomplishing His purpose on earth.
However, it is not God’s will that Christians die before the time He has fixed for them. “With long life will I satisfy him, (He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High) and shew him my salvation,” (Psalms 91:16).
So, when a Christian dies before his appointed time it may be that he has disrespected God’s principles that protect and enable them to live a long life. In other words, it may result from the believer’s carelessness and wanton disregard for divine principles and commands.
This makes us weak to the attacks of the devil who steals, kills and destroys. Below are four principles God has commanded His children to faithfully live by so that they may enjoy long life on earth.
Fear and obedience to God
The first principle I want to draw attention to is to fear and obey God. Proverbs 10:27 states that “The fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”
Those who fear God respect and obey Him. Lot’s wife is a good example of someone who clearly died for failing to fear God. Thus, she never lived out the fullness of her appointed years. It was not God’s will for her to die prematurely. Her death was the consequence of her willful disobedience to God’s warning not to look back (Genesis 19:17;26).
Honouring Your Parents
The second principle of God’s Word to consider is: “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth,” (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Paul teaches this rule, quoting from Exodus 20:12. To honour one’s parents is to regard or treat them with admiration and respect, to obey and to give them special recognition. This makes children prosper enjoy long life or have many years
Interestingly, Ghanaian communal values also emphasize respect for and obedience to elders based on their age, sacred personality, experience, wisdom and so on.
Thus, Akans have stressed that, “If you are taller than your father, it does not mean you are his equal” And Proverbs 3:1-2 instructs: “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
Living a Life of Wisdom
The third principle is to live a life of wisdom as it written: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour,” (Proverbs 3:13-16).
I believe that eating habits and regular exercise also affect our body’s ability to live a long and healthy life. The verse above speaks of wisdom lengthening our days, and I believe one area of our lives that we are supposed to exercise wisdom is in taking proper care of our bodies. The food we eat, water we drink, time we make to rest are some of the important things we must pay attention to.
Keeping Your Tongue from Evil
Keeping the tongue from uttering evil things is the fourth principle. “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (lies). Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it,” (Psalms 34:12-14).
This should remind us about the need to avoid speaking lies, invoking curses, bearing false witnesses, issuing threats against other people and ourselves.
As God honours His promises, He will surely satisfy those who carefully keep these principles with long life, according to the divine ages destined them for the glory of His name.
By James Quansah
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