Adding Years to Your Life

By John Isaac Edwards

The average American life span is 76.5 years. According to the National Institute on Aging, “currently no treatments, drugs, or pills are known to slow aging or extend life in humans.” The Bible, however, discusses some things that can add years to your life.

1. Respect for God. The wise man said, “The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened” (Prov. 10:27). Ever wonder why some live longer than others? It may be that some have more respect for God than others.

2. Keeping the Commandments of God. Poetry literature says, “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” (Prov. 3:1-2). Been keeping the commandments?

3. Honoring Your Parents. Paul penned, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1-3). No telling how many young people have been sent to an early grave because they failed to show proper respect for their parents.

Remember it’s not how long, but how well one lives that counts!

Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 22  p20  November 16, 2000