Death
Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
It is no surprise to be reminded, that we will all die one day unless Jesus returns first, yet few of us are prepared and most procrastinate the arrangements for what we leave behind. How we die is out of our hands, but the plan needs to be well thought through so that we are good stewards of what we have worked for and accumulated. Will we leave a large sum behind so that our relatives will argue and show greed? The Word of God says that we will all stand before the Lord and give an account for our lives. Will our funeral service be well attended and what will be said about our lives?
“A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. In the same way, the day you die is better than the day you are born. It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. The heart of the wise is the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now...Finishing is better than starting.” Ecclesiastes 7:1-4, & 8
How we live in however many days we’re given really matters. Do you ever think of what people might say about you at your funeral? What kind of eulogy might you be given? Humorist Garrison Keillor once said that at his funeral he wants people to weep uncontrollably with abject despair! We hope people will miss us, and that they will think well of us. We covet having “a good reputation,” as the scripture states. There’s a play on words in the text, “A good reputation is better than the most expensive perfume.” The Hebrew word for “reputation” is shem, and the Hebrew word for perfume is shemen. Though perfume may help make us attractive, a good reputation is better. Perfume doesn’t last; it’s temporary, but a good reputation lasts even after we’re gone. We may not be able to afford a bottle of Channel No. 5, but we will spare no expense to maintain a good reputation. We hope to reach the end of our days with no regrets. How we live matters. It was said of Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ: “He has carried a burden on his heart as few men that I’ve ever known; A burden for the evangelization of the world.” Rev. Billy Graham, a long-time friend of Bright’s said, “He is a man whose sincerity and integrity and devotion to our Lord have been an inspiration and a blessing to me ever since the early days of my ministry.”
Here are a few suggestions for us to ponder:
- Make sure that you have an up to date will in a safe place. Inform those you will leave behind about your plans and about changes you make. Make any specific arrangements that are necessary for the service, the burial, cremation, etc. Include your church or a ministry that you believe will use your money in a way that pleases the Lord Jesus.
- Begin now to live your life as if it were your last month on earth. Make a list of people that you need to sit down with to share the Lord and clear any unresolved issues. (Psalm 90:12)
- Now here is the important part for you to understand. In your prayer time, give the Lord an open invitation to use the remainder of your days in any way that He desires. Talk to someone you look up to spiritually and get their take on your gift mix and passion. You are here now. Do not be duped into thinking that you are too old or beyond the point of God using you in His work. Corrie Ten Boom began her world wide ministry at about 60 years of age. On her eightieth birthday they sang, “Stand Up, Stand up for Jesus” and her comment was, “the thing I want most for this coming year is to ‘stand’ for Jesus. He has stood with me for 80 years, so I think I can trust Him for the rest.” She asked friends to pray with her that the Lord would give her a new ministry. Remember she’d just turned 80!
What is your legacy? It is what people will remember about your life. This is what God is most interested in, not your stuff. God has a plan to use your life not just your resources. What makes your heart beat faster? Don’t put this off. Some well meaning Christians are paralyzed because of their job, or health, or family situation and feel trapped. God has the resources and plans to use you! Don’t wait until you retire or the finances are provided. Faith is imperative in order to be used in ministry.
I want to “die with my boots on”, living my life on mission for him. It’s important that we end well so that when they think of us long after we’re gone they will remember how God’s power and glory were the driving force of our life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
