Articles
A Time To Die
A Time To Die
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—a time to give birth and a time to die. . . (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
As certain as we are born, it is just as certain that one day we will also die (Hebrews 9:27). Even though there will come the day when we will no longer walk on this earthly pathway, our reputation, our character, our influence will live on long after we die. After we fold up this earthly tent, we are going to be remembered by how we lived, how we spoke, and or how we acted or reacted to things that happened to us.
What kind of memories are we making that will be left in the hearts of family, friends, all of the people who have known us? Will we be remembered as one whose conduct and speech were such that others were uplifted and encouraged in their conduct and speech? Will the memory be of one who sought first the kingdom of God, one who stood firm and fast in the faith (Matt. 6:33, Heb. 10:23-25). Will we be remembered as one who let God have full possession of our life, always letting his word fill our heart, mold our thoughts and guide us each step of the way through life (1 Pet. 5:6, 1 Cor. 6:19-20, Rom. 12:1-2)? Is the memory we make today one of a fervent love for not only our physical families but the family of God as well, always encouraging them, thinking and believing the best about them (1 Pet.1:22, John 13:34:35)?
The days of our lives are passing by so quickly. As we sometimes sing, “swiftly we’re turning life’s daily pages. When we turn the last page, it will mark the end of our earthly journey. So today, enjoy life, be happy, cherish those golden moments with loved ones but as you do so, let the words of Soloman ever echo within your heart, “The conclusion, when all has been heard is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Sometimes as we travel down the pathway of life, we will encounter events that will trouble our hearts and even make us grow tired and weary but none of these events should cause us to be filled with despair. If we open our eyes and look around, I am confident that we will see the loving care of our God all around us. We will see His hand of mercy and through His word we will hear His voice of encouragement that will lift us up to that higher plane.
Yes, there is a time to die for all of us. What more is there to say? Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow belongs only to God and if we live to see it, it will be a gift from God. We have only this present moment of time and it can end in the blink of an eye. Maybe, just maybe the petition of Psalms 39:4 is one that we should pray often, “O Lord, make me to know my end and what is the measure of my days: let me know how fleeting I am.”
I leave you with this final thought: “For the end of my journey I see, many dear to my heart over there are watching and waiting for me.” Heaven, the beautiful home of the soul is the promise of a better day for all who obey and serve the Lord faithfully (Heb. 5:8-9, Rev. 21 :1-5). The best is yet to come!
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
