Is there any way to guarantee ourselves a long life on earth?

TL;DR:

Even if we are wise about taking care of our physical health, a long life on this earth is not guaranteed. God, not human beings, is ultimately sovereign over the length of our lives.

The Bible teaches that we cannot completely control the length of our lives (Psalm 90:10), but God has given us some directions whereby we are more likely to live a long life. Obedience to God is associated with long life (Deuteronomy 5:33; Proverbs 10:27; Psalm 91:16). Part of the Ten Commandments is to honor one’s mother and father, which the commandment links to a long life (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2-3). Wisdom, including heeding the teaching of parents, is also associated with a long life (Proverbs 3:1-2, 3:16, 9:11). In fact, Proverbs personifies wisdom as a woman who holds long life in her right hand (Proverbs 3:16). While Scripture teaches that we’re to take care of the temple of the Holy Spirit (our body) (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), the emphasis is spiritual health through Christ, who gives us eternal life (John 10:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:8).

from the old testament

Scripture links obeying God to living a long life. The Mosaic Law says, “You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).
Honoring parents is associated with the promise of long life (Exodus 20:12).
Along with that, following the teaching of godly parents can contribute to longer life (Proverbs 3:1-2).
Proverbs associates wisdom with leading a long life. For instance, personifies wisdom as a woman who holds long life in her hand: “Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor” (Proverbs 3:16).

from the new testament

The New Testament reinforces the Old Testament message that obeying parents connects to long life (Ephesians 6:1-3).
We are to be good stewards of the body that God gave each of us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). However, no matter how well we take care of ourselves physically, we will all one day die. Our main focus should be spiritual health as it leads to eternal life. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
Jesus emphasized our spiritual life and His offering of eternal life: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11)
In the full measure of time, our lives are very short (James 4:13-14, 1 Peter 1:24). No matter how well we take care of ourselves, the length of our lives is in God’s hands.

implications for today

Protein shakes, CrossFit, low-carb, low-calorie— Today’s world is health obsessed. Studies are done in “blue zones” to find the secret to long life. Is it the food we eat? Does stress shorten our lives? Is it where we live?

Believers should be good stewards of the gift of life that God has granted us. But ultimately, our life will end, no matter what diet we follow, what workout regime we have, and which “blue zone” we live in. Our main focus should be spiritual health. Jesus told us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[e] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Even a long life on earth will likely not exceed eighty or ninety years—-in rare circumstances, one hundred. But a life in Christ leads to an eternal life in paradise with glorified bodies (John 11:25-26; Philippians 3:20-21).

understand

Though we can and should take care of our health, God controls the length of our days.
By following God’s commands, we can avoid sins that may contribute to a shorter life.
Long life on earth is desirable, but we should be even more focused on eternal life.

reflect

How do you balance taking appropriate care of your physical health without putting undue emphasis on it?
What are some ways you invest in your spiritual health and not just your physical health?
How does God’s sovereignty over the length of your life impact how you live?

engage

How does the Christian view of physical health contrast with popular culture’s view?
What does it mean to “lay up . . . treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20), and how does that pertain to the way we live our lives?
How can we support one another in seeking spiritual health and what lasts for eternity while still caring for our earthly bodies??