Daily Companion  | 21 September

CETERIS PARIBUS

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” - James 4:13-15 (NKJV)

Michael, a young lawyer, had a brush with death that completely changed his perspective on life. It was a bright summer day, and he decided to go for a hike in the mountains with some friends. They didn’t think of the weather or any eventuality. As they made their way up the trail, the weather suddenly took a turn for the worse. Dark clouds rolled in, and within minutes, they were caught in a violent thunderstorm. Heavy rain poured down, making the narrow path slippery and treacherous. Michael tumbled down the steep slope, but miraculously, he survived the fall with a few broken bones and cuts. 

It was a true testament to the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of our existence. From that day on, Michael made a conscious decision to surrender his life to Christ, embrace the fragility of life and live each day making a difference. He thereafter was known to always say “ceteris paribus” every time he made a suggestion, plan or proposal. 

Ceteris paribus is a Latin phrase used in economics to mean all things being equal. In life, certain things may only happen under certain stable, non-variable conditions. You can only celebrate if you are alive. You can only eat if there is food. While planning your future, remember to put God first and seek His righteousness. 

Beloved, life is a vapour. It vanishes away in a moment. Only God knows tomorrow. Let Him be your Anchor, Guide and Consultant. Be anxious for nothing. Let all your plans be made known to God and if possible obtain His approval first. Life is too fragile and unpredictable to hold grudges. Be quick to pursue peace with all without hesitation. Life is meant to be lived fully, passionately, and with an unwavering appreciation for its fleeting beauty. Seteris Paribus.

Today’s Recite: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. - Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

Today’s Morning Prayers:  Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of life and Your mercy that keeps me alive. I pray for grace to always be conscious of the fragility of life. I ask that You fill me with patience to always wait on You, Lord. Let You will be done in my life in Jesus' name. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW

Today’s ReadMe:  Zechariah 5 - 9