Is Longevity Predetermined by God?

Is Longevity Predetermined by God?

Eileen Renders                 December 2023

   Excluding the tragedy of stillbirths, or youths perishing in accidental deaths such as drownings or car accidents, is the life span for most of the population predetermined by God, or is one’s lifespan left to genetics, or such choices as living either a healthy lifestyle, or one’s choosing of a risky lifestyle?

   In my research, I was able to find a few brief writings that did not find conclusively that God (although He knows the day and time of each creature’s death) predetermined our time on earth.

   Therefore, in looking a bit more closely at how we might have some power over our untimely death, we certainly know that our choices in life can profoundly affect our early demise. Choices such as car racing, the use of addictive and mind-altering drugs, food addictions, and more. Just as we realize that exercising, eating healthy, and avoiding bad habits can extend our lives, we can safely say that we do have some power over the longevity of our lives due to the power of choice, which is a God-given gift.

   That being said, there is much to consider in this mystery of life. We see family and friends die in their twenties, thirties, or forties, yet we remain here on earth. It certainly is a thought that deserves questioning. Most of us, however, may never derive any concrete answers. Therefore, what are we left with as far as an answer to this mystifying question?

   Perhaps, just as we were given our free will by God, we are also left with our common sense and spiritual growth to draw upon in summoning up our best, and most believable conclusions. 

   This being true, I can share with you where that leaves me in my search for truth. Because God gave us life, and asked us to follow Him throughout our lives, and to teach and be of good example to others, it very well could be that when we follow Christ’s precepts in evangelizing, that we are rewarded with a longer life. It is what I choose to believe.