In the book of James, we find a powerful reminder of the nature of life: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).
This verse calls us to pause and consider the passing nature of our existence. It compares our life to a vapour, something that is momentarily visible and then quickly disappears.
A vapour is a substance that is suspended in the air, often in the form of mist, steam, or a fine spray. It’s something we can see, but only for a brief time before it vanishes completely. Just as the morning fog lifts and dissipates with the warmth of the sun, or as our breath in the cold air is visible for only a moment, our lives are described in the same way—here one moment and gone the next.
This image is a powerful illustration of how our lives unfold. We live, we move, we impact those around us, but in the grand scope of eternity, our time on earth is but a fleeting moment.
This comparison to a vapour isn’t meant to make us feel insignificant, but rather to give us perspective and move us to action.
It’s a reminder that while our time here is short, it is also precious. Every moment is an opportunity to live in a way that pleases God and impacts others for good.
Knowing that our life is like a vapour should influence how we live each day. It should drive us to focus on what truly matters. The things of this world—wealth, status, material possessions—are temporary. They vanish just as quickly as the morning mist. But the things of God—faith, love, service, and obedience—carry eternal significance.
Jesus taught us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20). When we live with an eternal perspective, we invest our time, talents, and resources into things that last beyond this life. We live with the understanding that our days are numbered and that what we do with them matters.
But before we can begin to lay up treasures in heaven, we must first ensure that we are on our way there. The most important decision we can make in this fleeting life is to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.
The Bible tells us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Because of our sin, we deserve eternal separation from God in hell. But in His great love and mercy, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
To be saved, we must believe in our hearts that Jesus died for us and rose again, and call upon Him alone for our salvation.
Romans 10:9 promises, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
This simple act of faith brings us into a right relationship with God and secures our eternal destiny in heaven.
Once we are saved, we can begin to lay up treasures in heaven by living for God and serving Him. This is how we make our brief time on earth count for eternity. By sharing the gospel, loving others, and living according to God’s Word, we store up rewards that will never fade away.
James 4:14 is a sobering reminder of the transient nature of life.
It urges us to recognize that we are not guaranteed tomorrow, and that our time on earth is limited. Like a vapour, we are here for a moment and then gone. But within that moment, we have the opportunity to live for something far greater than ourselves.
Let us be mindful of how we spend our time, and let us live in such a way that when our vapour fades, it leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion to our Lord.
As we reflect on the short nature of life, may we be encouraged to live each day with purpose, investing in what truly matters—our relationship with God and the impact we have on others for His glory.
