I’ll never forget a movie scene where a Minister preached a text from the Book of James to some army boys on the eve of their departure to war. “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” The sermon gave the impression that our lives are expendable, and their expiry of no great consequence. I’ll need to rewatch that movie, for it seems to me that only half the sermon was reported, for that is not all that James says.

Our lives are brief. That haunting verse from the old hymn ‘Abide with me’ makes the point with emphasis: ‘Swift to its close, ebbs out life’s little day.’ And some days, the ebbing seems terribly determined and painfully swift. James’ metaphor of the temporary mist is a different one, but conveys the same message, and who will disagree?

But James adds some other things to the picture: That all human beings bear the image of God, and therefore possess dignity and value. And that one day the Lord will come. And that a crown of life awaits those who love him. Yes, a mist that appears for a little while, but also an image bearer that will face eternity; and an eternity crowned with life, if in this life we set our hearts to love and honour God. So yes, young man, go off to war and fight for your country, but know that your soul is exceedingly important.