As I write this, I am reflecting on the recent passing of three family members, all of whom finished their early journeys this time of year. My brother-in-law was the first of our siblings to go and symbolizes the passing of another generation. My nephew took his life, suffering from mental illness, and my father-in-law died of old age. (This time of year is the most difficult for mortality rates in Canada.) I am often amazed how death takes us by surprise, even though we often have ample warning.
It strikes me that preparedness for death is one of the wisest things we can achieve in life. Yet in western culture we spend much energy trying to cheat death. We seldom talk about it, we try to minimize it when it happens, and we act as if we will go on living in our present state. In our striving to find a cure for heart disease or cancer, we somehow believe, when we have, we will know how to beat death.
The Apostle Paul transcended the fear of death and actually stated, "Life versus even more life! I can't lose. As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice!"
(Philippians 1:21,22 MSG)
I think he is saying first of all there is so much worthwhile, purposeful, meaningful work to do. Why would we coast, or sit down and give up? Secondly, if we are ready, then life after death is a wonderful thing to anticipate. Sometimes the passage from this life to the next is painful, but the transition is relatively short and can be a time of great hope.
Let me ask two most important questions.
Are we currently living a life of meaningful relationships, taking opportunities to help and encourage others, and enjoying intimacy with God?
Secondly, are we looking forward to life after life - a time when perfection will be restored: no more pain or death or corruption?
I ask, not to make us feel badly if the answers are negative. I ask, because each of us can live that way. We can live life to the full, while looking death confidently in the face.
