“You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  Genesis 3:19b

These words were spoken by God to Adam when he fell into sin in the Garden of Eden.  They remind us of the fragile and fleeting nature of life.  The phrase is often read at the graveside during the funeral of a Christian or repeated in Ash Wednesday services in .  many different branches of the church.  They serve as a poignant reminder of our own mortality and the brevity of life.

Scripture is filled with verses that speak to this truth. Isaiah depicts human beings as grass and fragile flowers that wither and fade under the breath of God. (Isaiah 40:6-7).  James compares our life to a mist that appears briefly and vanishes, reminding us that tomorrow is uncertain and life is short.

As we embark on the season of lent at True Life, we are preparing our hearts to embrace the cosmically significant events of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  In that spirit,  I want to encourage us to meditate on our own mortality. This practice can evoke fear or discomfort but it can be an important spiritual formation practice that will enrich our faith journey.

The psalmist prays in Psalm 39,

 Show me, Lord, my life’s end

    and the number of my days;

    let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

    the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

    even those who seem secure.

The contemplation of mortality can sometimes lead to maudlin introspection, diverting us from its intended spiritual fruits. Yet, God desires that this practice not be a source of despair but rather a catalyst for growth. Here are some ways we can grow spiritually by remembering we are dust.

• We grow in gratitude when we realize that life is a gift.  We value our lives, the time we have to spend each day and the people we share it with.
• We gain perspective.  When we embrace this truth about our lives we have a much greater discernment about what is truly important amidst the many demands and distractions of life.
• We gain in our ability to embrace the moment.  When we know that life is short and passes too soon, we grow in our ability to live for today.  We live with the knowledge that tomorrow is past and the future is unknown, so living in the present helps us to make the most of each moment of our lives.
• We gain our sense of urgency.  When we know that we only have limited time to build what will echo for eternity, we prioritize how we spend the time we do have.
• Finally, our awareness of our own fragile lives gives us a profound appreciation for the victory of Christ, who, through the cross and his resurrection, conquered our ancient enemies: sin and death.

My encouragement for us today is to “remember you are dust and to dust you will return.” Embrace this truth with thanksgiving for the life God has given you.  Start each day joyfully, using the precious gift of your life to bring glory to God in everything we do. 

As we begin our Lenten journey together, may our meditation on our own mortality cause us to remember the sacredness of life and inspire us to live life on purpose with faith, hope and love.