Living on the Edge

Living on the edge means different things to different people. For some, living on the edge describes a person who does dangerous stunts, like a daredevil. To others, living on the edge describes their existence—from paycheck to paycheck. There are others still, who think of living on the edge as a lifestyle. While these are all different definitions of what it means to be living on the edge, they have one thing in common. Living on the edge pictures a person or people on the brink of disaster.

One of the messages that I get from Scripture is that a life without God is living on the edge. The Bible describes a person’s life as a “mist” and that “tomorrow” is not guaranteed (James 4:13-16). In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a parable about a rich man that illustrates this very point and concluded the parable with, “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself, but is not rich toward God.” The Hebrew writer put it bluntly, “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (9:27).

Our fears and anxieties are well founded if we live life without God. He is the only one that can comfort us (II Corinthians 1:3-4) and give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30). If we are seeking Him, we can live confidently in uncertain times (Psalms 23:4). If we are not on the lookout for Him, He will come like a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:1-6). And that’s living on the edge.