“Yes, a wise man thinks much of death…” (Ecclesiastes 7:4a LB)
My wife’s mom, Judy, passed away just before Thanksgiving. We traveled back to Iowa a few weeks ago to celebrate her life. Christian funerals are always bittersweet for me. On the one hand, I am so sad at the loss of our loved ones. On the other hand, however, I feel almost envious that they are now in Paradise with Jesus! How incredible it is to know that in Heaven, there are no more tears, pain, poor eyesight, worries, migraines, sorrows, or death.
Without a doubt, the death of a loved one is never easy. But, as followers of Christ, our hope is sure; it’s never just wishful thinking.
Jesus tells us in John 14:1-2, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Judy was a strong Believer and had an incredible impact on hundreds of lives. Her death made me once again reconsider what really matters in this life.
I believe what really matters is the quality of your relationships, your impact on others, and your faith. These aspects undeniably provide lasting comfort and hope in the face of death. This is especially true for those who have trusted in Christ and will spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
Let Me Encourage You
When we die, our children, grandchildren, friends, and family will focus on celebrating the positive aspects of our lives. They’ll also see the legacy we leave behind. In short, material possessions or worldly achievements won’t be their focus.
Can I encourage you to live your life with these eternal priorities in mind:
- Strong Relationships: The love and connections you build with family and friends are paramount. They’ll remember you most deeply after you are gone.
- Meaningful Contribution: Leaving a positive impact on the world (through your actions and deeds) is, of course, essential.
- Spiritual Faith: For Believers, a strong faith in God always offers comfort and hope in the face of death.
- Living Authentically: Being true to yourself and your values is crucial for a fulfilling life.
My prayer is that we would live for what REALLY matters.
Living for eternity,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor