Memento Mori

Memento Mori
“I had an aching sense that our time is short, shorter than we ever know, short as a morning run, and I wanted mine to be meaningful.” -Phil Knight

 One of the pillars of stoic philosophy is the saying “memento mori.” Translated into English, the saying means “remember you must die.” To our modern ears, that sounds extremely depressing. We have done as much as possible to distance ourselves from death (see the location of cemeteries and the market cap of the health industry for proof).

However it may sound to our modern ears, the concept of memento mori is not meant to be gloomy. The concept is meant to be motivating. Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, understood this. He knew that even if he lived to be 100 years old, his life would be over before he knew it. His time was short – as short as a morning run. That knowledge motivated him to live a meaningful life and not waste the time he was given. It drove him to build one of the most recognized brands in the world today.

The concept of memento mori is biblical as well. James 1:14 says, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? A mist that appears for a little time then vanishes.” Jesus himself lived less than 35 years on earth. Yet his life was filled with meaning and driven by the purpose for which he came. His entire life was aimed at the cross. Every moment, he remembered that he must die.

What’s my point? 2025 has just begun. It might be your last year this side of heaven. It might be mine. May that knowledge that soon we must die motivate us to spend our days doing what truly matters. May more and more of our moments be aimed at directing others to the cross of Christ. May more and more of our moments be spent with family and friends we hold dear. “Our time is short, shorter than we ever know, short as a morning run, and I wanted mine to be meaningful.” Memento mori.

Your Pastor and Friend,
John Knox Foster