Carpe Vita/Carpe Diem

Carpe Vita/Carpe Diem

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The Latin poet Horace wrote, “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, which can be translated as "Seize the day, put little trust in the future".  The first two words, “carpe diem” have become a cultural watchword. We are rightly encouraged to “seize the day”, but only in the context of seeking the Kingdom of God, in the context of seeking to live the way God would have us live.

Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For after all these things the unbelievers seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:31-34).

The psalmist asked the Holy Spirit to teach us to number (to value) our days, not just today. In valuing our days, in valuing our lifetime (which includes eternity to come), we find a source of wisdom.

Another Latin phrase is “carpe vita” which means to seize life.  In seizing the opportunities of life, of both our earthly life and our eternal life, we find the scope of God’s plan and, therefore, our purpose.  Our journey has purpose.  We often ask, "What is our purpose?"

That is the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”  When we read the Bible through, from Genesis to Revelation, we see that God’s desire is to restore us to Himself that we may walk with Him as Adam walked with Him before the Fall. When we see His purpose, we embrace His glory and dance with the angels as we enjoy Him now and forever more.  That is carpe vita.

As we embrace the scope, the sequence of life opens before us.  Each day presents opportunities to know Him more and to glorify Him more in our lives.  Let's put things in order.   First, carpe vita.  Then, carpe diem.