eBusiness Weekly
Arthur Marara
On Sunday, November 8, 2020, I woke to some disturbing news of the passing on in a horrific accident of Genius Kadungure, Michelle Amuli commonly called “Moana” and the other passengers that they were with. I had met Genius on a few occasions in the past. I had also been introduced to Moana by Nash TV as we were supposed to do a television show together. We had actually opened communications via WhatsApp. We never got to talk or meet in person. You can imagine the shock of seeing a familiar name on the list of the deceased!
I quickly went online to see what was happening only to realise that it is true, that indeed they had perished in a car accident.
There are several videos of Genius’ last moments being circulated on social media now. I had planned to write an inspirational article today since it had been long since I last did one for sharing on social media.
During this difficult time, I had to gather a bit of strength to write something so that we can share some thoughts and encourage each other on this journey of life.
Death is inevitable
One thing is for certain in life: death. Death is a part of life. It is inevitable, whether you like it or not. This reality should drive us to some serious reflection and thoughts.
Do not live your life like an immortal being. As I was reading the news, my mind was quickly taken to a Psalm that was written by Moses; prophet and leader of the Israelites in the wilderness, Psalm 90:12. I will just give you list of translations and you can pick for yourself the one that comes out clearer;
Teach us to number of our days
New International Version
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
New Living Translation
Teach us to realise the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
English Standard Version
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Berean Study Bible
So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
New American Standard Bible
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
New King James Version
So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
King James Bible
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Christian Standard Bible
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
Contemporary English Version
Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Good News Translation
Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
International Standard Version
Teach us to keep account of our days so we may develop inner wisdom.
NET Bible
So teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely.
New Heart English Bible
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
A Faithful Version
So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
When I am reading the Bible, I use parallel mode, that is why you see I use various translations.
I want you to go through the translations, and see some key emphasis.
Life is short
The GNT is even interesting, “Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.” Whether you live up to 50, 60,70, or 80 life is short. Moses’ concern in the verse was that the people he was working with did not have an understanding of purpose and time. Some other versions actually state that, “so that we could live our lives on ‘purpose’”.
Those who have read the story of the exodus of the Israelites will appreciate that over 40years were spend in the wilderness due to the conduct of various people which made the movement slow.
This was because people did not have a sense of purpose in life and as such they did not understand the preciousness of living a life from that perspective.
With each and every life on earth, there is a specific instruction to be fruitful (Genesis 1:28). Fruitfulness has a bearing on time. You have to be fruitful and productive in the time that you have been given by God.
What the Psalter was emphasising in above quoted scripture was that there is need for people to have understanding and respect for time so that they could live wisely in line with their purpose.
Live a life of wisdom
The sad reality of death is that it is inevitable. The most important thing therefore is to live life to the best each day. Be careful how you live your life. Your life is the sum total of your choices. Make wise and better choices for your life.
It is very sad to note that we have lost quite a number of people in the roads in our country. There is nothing as painful as losing a youthful people who had a definitely promising and been going for great things to life. We need to stay safe on the roads, and continuously exercise caution. This is not to say that death is always easy thing to accept in the case of people of other ages.
There are many people who say that they would be serious with life when they feel that they have some few days on earth.
This is one dangerous way of living because you have no control over your life span. You might not have an opportunity like the robber on the cross with Jesus that managed to secure a ticket into paradise in a matter of minutes.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed
Who would have ever thought that social media would be awash of disturbing news of people who were literally burnt alive in a vehicle when some few minutes ago they had been leaving a place of celebration? That is life, tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Make your relationship
right with God
I am not trying to impose any religion here. Look into your life, and see where you stand spiritually. What is your state of your relationship with God now. You do not know the time when your time may be up. Make things right with your Maker.
Make things right with people
I take every day of my life as God’s extension of my lease of life to make things right with people and with God. A great deal of time we take people for granted. This happens in a lot of settings where people are found, be it in marriage, work, church; what have you.
The truth of the matter is that we do not control anyone, neither do we do own them. Any day they might just be taken away from us without any semblance of notice being given to us about their impending departure.
Do not take any day for granted, you never know; you might never have another one. This is not to scare anyone but to encourage everyone to adopt a realistic approach to life. Live everyday like the last day of your life [in the positive], live it to the maximum.
If you are to love, love to the maximum. If you are to give, give to the best. If you are to preach, do it like you will never have another opportunity to do that again.
Why keep those nice words you can tell to your loved ones and other people. The best time is now. Why keep those complements for the future, release them now.
Do not allow the day to go down whilst you are angry at anyone. Life is too short to spend it angry at anyone including you. Life is in the hands of God and he knows He will take it. Why then take anyone for granted.
The world will be a different place today if we treated people like we will never see them again [in the positive].
Leave a legacy
What is your summary? What is your sentence? What will people say about you when you are gone?
You are in control of what people will say, leave a meaningful legacy for your life. How you live your life now determines the quality of legacies you will leave. Chuck Palahniuk said something profound, “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever; the goal is to create something that will.”
I pray that the Lord comfort all the grieving families, and lead them through this difficult patch.
Join me on Star FM on Wednesdays (09:30am-10:00am) for some moments of inspiration on the Breeze with Tariro “Mai Judah”.
Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote and peak performance speaker, business strategy facilitator commanding the stage with his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a financial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, sales, business leadership and strategy. Arthur is the author of the “Personal Development Toolkit”, “Keys to Effective Time Management” among other inspirational books. Follow him on social media, or WhatsApp him on +263718867255 or email [email protected]
