The Fear Of Death
Everyone experiences death at least once in their life. Death and taxes are
the only sure things in life. You can't take it with you. It was their time.
Such are some of the things we speak about when we consider the subject of death.
Probably the number one reason that people despise death is because they cannot
control it, and it is coming their way.
As a Christian, we are taught that we do not need to fear death because if we
are faithful to God, we will be taken to a better place. Those who are not Christians
can definitely fear death because their end is the beginning of eternal destruction
and torment. Many people do not believe in God, and death is the final act of
any life, and thus it brings their pitiful existence into an unknown void. Perhaps
we do not consider our own death enough. Let's face it, it is a very unpopular
subject. We are faced with it when people die, and when the doctor tells you
that you have a short time to live. Other than that, we ignore the subject as
much as possible.
I recently considered my death because of a radio talk show I was listening
to where the host asked everyone to consider their thoughts on dying and death
in general. As a person of faith, and one who believes that he is doing his
best to be pleasing to God, I considered that I do not fear death. I don't think
any Christian should fear death. But one reason many fear death is because they
fear the unknown. Will it be painful? Will I be aware of what is happening?
Will I see that light at the end of the tunnel? The answer will not come to
us until that time arrives, and yes, it is coming for you and me and everyone
else.
Even though I do not fear death, I did feel that I fear growing old to the point
that I could not control my body or mind. Our bodies fail as we age, and we
cannot do the things we did before. We all have loved ones or close friends
who have suffered various infirmities associated with old age. We are fearful
of the looks of the tiny children as we shuffle along slowly or exhibit shakes
in our hands and bodies. We are fearful of people mocking us, making fun of
us (usually behind our back) and mimicking the way we walk or use our walkers.
We are fearful that people will take advantage of us and steal our money or
other possessions. We are fearful of embarrassing ourselves because we could
not find the restroom fast enough. We might get some strange looks when we take
our teeth out to eat. Oh yeah, the list goes on and on, and it scares us.
Our best hope is that God will allow us to function with some degree of clarity
until our time is up.
Something else to consider is in the question: What will I leave behind? Sure
there is the matter of the will and the junk that your kids will have to go
through. Have you considered them going through your old photographs and realizing
those people mean nothing to them, and thus are discarded in the trash pile.
The Ecclesiastes writer asked the question about what happens with our possessions
when we die. Well, they now belong to someone else and we will have no control
over what happens to those things.
Perhaps what should be a great fear is in trying to figure out if people will
even miss me when I am gone. Sure, we hope our loved ones will miss us, but
will anyone else care about our demise? Perhaps we should examine ourselves
to see what kind of impact we have on others. What will be our legacy if there
is one?
This is something we should consider today and now. What am I doing that impacts
others? Are you being a servant of the Lord? Are you helping people in various
ways? Are you teaching your loved ones and friends the value of knowing the
Lord and serving Him? Am I doing anything for this church of which I am a member?
If I died, would they even care to make an announcement, or come to my funeral?
Have you taken the time to help someone who is struggling with their spirituality?
Have you allowed others to fulfill their duty to you? Will people be sad when
you die, or indifferent? All of this should help us reflect upon our purpose
here in this life, and live it to the fullest. The only way to do that is to
keep God as your first and highest priority, and God will appreciate that. Plan
to do a good job before you die.
By Carey Scott
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