Christian Living

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The media carry news every day of unexpected injuries and death: a pipe explodes under the streets of New York City; liquid gas tanks blow up in Dallas; car wrecks, floods, fires, fatal illnesses, murders, etc.

"...For what is your life? It is as a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." Jas. 4:14b

It is said that when a person knows he is facing death, his whole life flashes before his eyes. Do you suppose at that moment of clarity, he thinks of his bank account, his physical appearance, who won the American Idol contest? It's doubtful. More probably, deeper things like how he has lived his life, his relationship to God and family, his honesty and purity of life come to mind.

But why must we be scared into reality? The threat of death begins at birth. Without recognizing this fact, life can never be lived to full potential. Scripture says man was in bondage to the fear of death until Jesus died, was resurrected and became Good News to a dying world. How is it that we know all of this , but we forget so easily--until we meet it face to face? How sad that we spend our precious moments on trivialities that have no lasting value. Our lives are consumed with things: more, bigger, better things.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." I Tim. 6:6-8

That leaves more room for higher, wider, more lasting pursuits like loving and serving others. It's been said so many times, but nobody much listens: THINGS really don't matter. PEOPLE matter. In the sphere of life and death, things are merely enablers so spirits can be about their Father's business.

So how can we be so carelessly indifferent, whistling past graveyards until we feel the cold breath of death? But unless the love of God and others shape the way we live, we will continue to fear death (or ought to).

'...That Christ through his death (and resurrection) might destroy him who has the power of death, that is the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:14, 15

Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ and frees us from the law of sin and death. We can live freely and fully unafraid because in God's good time, the grave will explode with light and life for those who love Him.

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