The Fear of the Lord Leads to Virtuous Habits

There is no doubt about it. The fear of the Lord leads to virtuous habits, and these prevent the waste of life that comes from sin and vice. The holy rest that springs from faith in the Lord Jesus is also a great help to a person when ill. Every doctor is glad to have a patient whose mind is completely at peace. Worry kills, but trust in God is like a healing medicine.

Therefore, we have everything in place for a long life, and if it truly is for our good, we shall see a good old age and come to our graves like sheaves gathered in their season. We should not be overcome by a sudden expectation of death the moment a finger hurts, but should rather expect to work through a considerable span of days.

And what does it matter if we are soon called to the higher realm? Surely there would be nothing to lament in such a call; rather, it would all be joy. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. If we live, Jesus will be with us; if we die, we will be with Jesus. The true lengthening of life consists in living while we live, not wasting time but using every hour for the highest purposes. May it be so today.

Source: The Bank of Faith’s Checkbook. Translation by Allan Roman.

http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/junio.pdf