Recent Thoughts on Death and Eternity

Many of our friends and loved ones, both young and old, have left this earth this year.  Six of my childhood school friends lost their dads this past year making Father's Day yesterday very reflective and just different.  All these funerals have had me thinking more about death and eternity.  People often talk about how many people came to the funeral or the visitation indicating how much the deceased had been loved.  And while the idea of having lots of people at my funeral sounds wonderful, I will likely not be paying much attention since I will be dead to this life. What matters more to me will be who I get to see on the other side. What concerns me greatly is who will not be there because I did not share the truth that saves out of a fear they might be offended. I know that the gospel is not about religion at all, but I feel like not everyone believes that, so how many times have I been silent because I have been told I must not discuss religion?

Pop culture and modern politics have taught us that if you want lots of people at your funeral or popularity in general, then you need to say what people want to hear (even if it isn't true), behave in provocative, shocking ways (i.e. Miley Cyrus), buy beauty as the world defines it, flaunt your abilities on an athletic field, stage, or public platform while narcissism oozes out of every pore, and/or make lots of money which you must spend lavishly. But what all that gets you is superficial and fleeting. As the saying goes, "You can't take it with you."

A life well lived bears the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, and nurturing, meaningful relationships now, but it also gains rewards that lasts for eternity (James 1:12). However, a life well lived it not an easy life. It isn't filled with nonstop happiness or with all our wants and preferences being met. That simply isn't the gospel. As Paul illustrated with his life and as he wrote in Philippians 3, a intentionally living for the Lord means being identified with Christ in his suffering and death. Knowing Him is absolutely worth it, for it is the best trade ever! (1 Peter 5:10). He doesn't promise to make us happy all the time in this world, now that we have corrupted it, but He does promise us His power, presence and peace which fully satisfy. He even offers us an escape back into Paradise with Him.

I am learning that the suffering doesn't just produce rewards for eternity; but it also brings great joy now! Any woman who has carried a child and experienced labor will attest that struggles not only make us stronger and prepare us for new life to come, they also bring us unspeakable joy. The harder the road, the sweeter the destination. And while I love to watch my children learn, grow, and achieve because I love them so, I have felt like my heart might utterly burst with delight when I have supported (to the point of exhaustion) children with special needs for whom such tasks seem impossible. Perhaps it's because their struggle is greater that their smiles seem brighter and their accomplishments more beautiful. Whatever the case, when I am with them I am drawn closer to God. As a caterpillar wrestles out of the confining cocoon to become a beautiful butterfly, we believers wrestle through this life on earth as God makes us beautiful from the inside out.

Dear Lord, please help me (and anyone else who longs for the same) to live every moment of our lives intentionally, loving sacrificially, forsaking all the allurements of the world for your righteousness and your truth. Give me the endurance to live life well, not for my own selfish desires but because of your goodness and glory. (Hebrews 12:1-2)