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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
"'Honor your father and mother'-which is the first commandment with a promise-'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth'" (Ephesians 6:3-4). In this passage, the a...
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Danny Hickman
Supporter
I don't believe there's anything anyone can do to GUARANTEE a long life for themselves. When The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream one night, He gave Solomon what some would call a signed blank check.He asked Solomon to "name it and claim it "; 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you' 1Kings 3:5. NIV Solomon answered by praising God for the way he had already been blessed by The Lord, before admitting that he lacked the wisdom and understanding needed to do the job God had given him to do, namely, to distinguish between right and wrong when governing God's people. This, the bible says, pleased God. V11- So God said to him "since you have asked for this and not LONG LIFE or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice I will do what you have asked. He goes on to tell Solomon that He would also give him what he hadn't asked for-- both riches and honor. Then in verse 14 God spoke concerning the question that is the focus here, LONG LIFE; "And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a LONG LIFE." This He said to Solomon. This is not a universal promise, a GUARANTEE of LONG LIFE if a certain criteria is met. (The only GUARANTEE I know of in scripture is The Holy Spirit given to believers as an "assurance" of The Lord finishing what He has begun in the believer. Did God really say that David KEPT His statutes and commands? Yes, David, the adulterer, the murderer, the man of many wives, KEPT God's statutes and commands. What was Solomon doing in Gibeon? He was offering sacrifices and burning incense at the high place, a clear violation of God's statutes and commands. David never did anything like that. In all that David did, his HEART never turned from The Lord. He knew where his help came from, the sovereign Lord God of heaven and earth.) Solomon then returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. 1Kings 3:15. Now he's KEEPING The Lord's statutes and commands the way his father David did. This is his recipe for LONG LIFE according to God. God went to Gibeon and got Solomon. Solomon had the assignment to build the temple for God, so he needed to be in right standing with God. My suggestion: if you're really sold on a LONG LIFE give all of yourself to The Lord and He will give you the life He has planned for you. Jesus is our "statutes and commands". KEEP HIM.
Aurel Gheorghe
Supporter
There is no guarantee that we will have long and healthy lives. However, according with several recent research studies, longevity and good health is always associated with healthy living combined with good genetic material. In other words, if your parents lived a long live, most likely you will too. But there are other factors at work that can determine the length and quality of a person's life. There are consensuses in the medical community that abstaining from alcohol and tobacco products can considerably increase the lifespan (1 Corinthians 3:17). In the past it was suggested that a glass of red wine is good for the overall health; however, newer research studies show that alcohol can be damaging to health even in small quantities. As for tobacco products consumption, there isn't a single credible study showing any benefits for the human body (1 Corinthians 6:20). Eating a healthy diet (Genesis 1:29, Leviticus 11) and maintaining a normal weight, regular physical exercise, getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night, avoiding stress and unnecessary worries can ultimately lead to healthy and long lives (Exodus 20:8-11, Hebrews 4:9-11, Proverbs 14:30, Proverbs 17:22, Matt 6:34, 1Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 55:22).
Billy P Eldred
Supporter
Glad you asked! There is Good news! Yes! Is eternity long enough for you? But the Way is narrow while the way to destruction is wide. Jesus said, "I am the Way. There is no other". Therefore the only Way is: Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and you will receive Eternal life. It is really that simple but a note of caution. Believe is a very big word! If you believe Jesus is who He says he is, you will want to do what He asks of you. Again, good news! He says "My yoke is easy and my burden is light". I suggest you concentrate on his two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Get those two right and the rest is a piece of cake.
Philip Davies
Supporter
It has already been pointed out that the fifth commandment: "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you" Exodus 20:12 is really the only place in the Bible where long life is given as the outcome of doing something. It is interesting that this inter-generational command is one that would naturally lead to longer life. Respecting your parents will involved looking after them when they become less able to look after themselves. In Bible times, not being looked after may well have meant an early death for the old and infirm. Those who were looked after by their children could expect to live longer lives than those who were neglected. And we in our turn, when we grow old, if we have taught our children these principles, might not only benefit from having God fearing children but also from the longer cared-for life that such respect for parents naturally brings. Regards Phil
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Life is fragile. There's no guarantee that we can do anything that will prolong it. Except for maybe one Scriptural example. Wiersbe states regarding Ephesians 6:2-3: “When children obey their parents in the Lord, they will escape a good deal of sin and danger and thus avoid the things that could threaten or shorten their lives." 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. As I get older, and I myself love life, I am EXTREMELY interested in this question.
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