Dying

I know it’s a controversial topic, but we’re all going to die.  Ecclesiastes 7:1 says “A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.  And the day you die is better than the day you are born.  2.  Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.  After all, everyone dies – so the living should take this to heart.  3.  Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.  4.  A wise person thinks only about having a good time”, (Holy Bible Gift & Award Edition New Living Translation Second Edition 2007) Death is certainly nothing that we can avoid.

Before I just use those scriptures because it fits into my writing, I wanted to share with you more about the content of the verses and the author below:

“In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon uses a series of examples – wealth, wisdom, popularity, pleasure – and shows how each of them ultimately ends in disappointment if it becomes the sole reason for one’s existence.  After pondering this dilemma for several chapters, the author finally comes to this conclusion.  Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.  It appears the Teacher abandoned any hope in worldly pursuits and decided to glorify God provides the only lasting meaning of life”, (Holy Bible Gift & Award Edition New Living Translation Second Edition 2007).    

I was at a funeral the other day and it gave me time to reflect.  We don’t know how many days we have on this Earth, but God certainly knows how many days we will live.  It’s sad when people die, we’re humans, and we have feelings.  We’re supposed to love one another.  And while I am sympathetic towards actors, actresses and other famous people’s families, or anyone after they lose someone.  If I don’t know them personally, I try to not get to distraught over their deaths.  We’re all going to die.  It was their time to die.  If they’re a believer then they went to heaven and that is the ultimate goal.  They’re in a better place than we are.

The Bible says sometimes people die early or too soon because they can’t handle the World.  Isaiah 57:1 says “good people pass away; the godly often die before their time.  But no one seems to care or wonder why.  No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil way to come.  2.  For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die”, (Holy Bible Gift & Award Edition New Living Translation Second Edition 2007) I know it’s hard for us feeble humans to understand but God knows what he is doing.    

Furthermore, I believe no matter what our circumstances there’s always a chance to witness to other people.  Again the ultimate goal is to lead lost people to Jesus Christ, even if we are in the hospital ourselves.  Maybe God put you there for that specific purpose.  We all have a purpose in life.  What is your purpose in life?