Word Count: 480

Contact Kevin Pauley

Three Rules for Long Life

by Kevin Pauley  
3/10/2007 / Christian Living

Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 HCSB

A long-standing legend has circulated among middle-eastern and western cultures since around the third century of a mystical Fountain of Youth. It probably originated in a collection of fables, poems and tall tales called the Alexander Romance. In this fantastic work, Alexander the Great crossed the Land of Darkness and discovered this fabled spring. The tale was popular among the Spanish Moors and probably spawned Ponce de Leon's search for the Fountain during his explorations of Florida in 1513.

Humanity has always been fascinated by the possibility of discovering a one-size fits all, cures-all pill that will grant its intrepid discoverer with longevity. I call it the Shortcut Con. The Shortcut Con's premise is that you don't have to work. You just need to be lucky. Isn't that the basis of the very first temptation? Didn't the Devil tempt Eve with "Hey! Eat this piece of fruit and you will suddenly be like God"?

God actually has given us three principles that He promises will, short of an accidental death, lengthen our lifespan. The first rule says "Honor your parents and you will be granted long life."

The second rule says that if you come across a bird's nest with chicks or eggs, either in a tree or on the ground along the road, and the mother is sitting on the chicks or eggs, you must not take the mother along with the young. You may take the young for yourself, but be sure to let the mother go free, so that you may prosper and live long. Odd, I know, but I'll explain it in a second.

The third rule states that you must have a full and honest weight, a full and honest dry measure, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Again, you may be scratching your head, but bear with me.

Humanity has always felt that if we could just find a special piece of fruit, or dip in a particularly lovely spring, or take a little blue pill we could be forever young. Ridiculous, I know! But it keeps cropping up!

In contrast, God says, "The secret to long life consists of respect, environmental stewardship and integrity." It's not as flashy as a pond surrounded by beautiful Amazon warrior princesses but it comes with an impeccable guarantee.

Show respect and you will get the best advice and help from others. Take care of your environment and you probably won't die of cancer or global warming. Live a life marked by integrity and you won't end up in jail with a guy named Bubba or with a terrible disease. Simple, straightforward, no-nonsense advice from the One who made us.

written by Pastor Kevin Pauley - permission to reprint.
Kevin Pauley is a minister and a freelance writer living in Illinois with his wife and five children.
www.pastorpauley.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW

Read more articles by Kevin Pauley

Like reading Christian Articles? Check out some more options. Read articles in Main Site Articles, Most Read Articles or our highly acclaimed Challenge Articles. Read Great New Release Christian Books for FREE in our Free Reads for Reviews Program. Or enter a keyword for a topic in the search box to search our articles.

Enter comments below. Due to spam, all hyperlinks posted in the comments are now immediately disabled by our system.

Please type the following word below:

Not readable? Change text.

The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Hire a Christian Writer, Christian Writer Wanted, Christian Writer Needed, Christian Content Needed, Find a Christian Editor, Hire a Christian Editor, Christian Editor, Find a Christian Writer