When God gave an open cheque to Solomon to ask what he wanted he asked for wisdom and understanding to be able to handle his mandate, that of ruling the people of God. God was impressed with Solomon’s request because it was out of the usual refrain. So pleased was God that He not only gave him what he asked but added other things that an average person goes after. Most people would ask for long life or riches or for the life of their enemies, as God suggested in His remark to Solomon.

A long life with mission unaccomplished is failure and misery…Know that God will give you life long enough to finish the task He has assigned you.

Many people are particular about long life. This reflects in the wishes given on birthday anniversaries.. Hundreds of people will wish you  long life and prosperity. As good as this appears those who have eternal life should not be overtly concerned with long life. What is longer than eternal life anyway? There is an aspect of our being that will never die. Our spirit will spend eternity in the presence of the Almighty God. Our concern should be how to live and accomplish our mission on earth, whatever that mission is. A long life with mission unaccomplished is failure and misery. Neither Jesus nor Paul were preoccupied with how long they lived. It did not really matter anything with them; what counted was finishing God’s mandate. I came across an anonymous writer who settled everything for me with this prayer: “God, give me work till my life shall last-and life till my work is done”. Know that God will give you life long enough to finish the task He has assigned you.