Death marks the end of our earthly life and the separation of our spirit from our physical body. Our participation in earthly affairs ends, whether we have fulfilled our plans and responsibilities or left them unfinished.
We spend considerable time preparing for life’s milestones, yet how much attention do we give to eternity? Beyond our earthly existence, we must face God. Our relationship with Jesus Christ deserves serious attention while we still have the opportunity to respond to Him.
Whether someone dies through an accident, illness, or another cause, the circumstances often bring painful questions for those left behind. Their grief deserves compassion. Yet alongside the question of how someone died stands another question each of us must consider: Am I prepared to meet God?
Ecclesiastes 9:5–6 describes the end of our participation in earthly life:
“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.”
Consider those words, “under the sun.” Our opportunities to work, serve, repent, and fulfill our earthly responsibilities deserve attention now. We should never assume we will always have time to address what we keep postponing.
A favorable medical report, a job promotion, a marriage, a new baby, or a recently purchased home often gives us reasons to celebrate and plan. These blessings deserve gratitude, but none guarantees another day. We have heard of people who died shortly after reaching a milestone they had spent years anticipating. Their plans were sincere, and their expectations were understandable, yet their lives ended unexpectedly.
My question to you this morning is direct: While preparing for everything else you consider important, have you seriously considered your relationship with God? Have you responded to the gospel of Jesus Christ, or have you continually postponed this decision?
Death does not give preference to education, wealth, influence, or popularity. Your achievements do not buy you more time, and your position in society does not remove your accountability before God. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us of death and the judgment which follows.
Many of us hear the gospel regularly. Some grew up in Christian homes and learned Scripture from childhood. Yet familiarity with Christian teaching does not replace personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. You must consider your own response to the truth you have received.
Education and achievement have value in our earthly responsibilities. The danger arises when pride leads us to trust our understanding above God’s Word or believe our success removes our need for Him. The God who delivered Abraham, Moses, and Joseph still deserves our trust and obedience. We must never let His blessings become reasons to disregard Him.
My friends, your degree, job title, possessions, and public reputation do not secure eternal life. Salvation comes through God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, as Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches. Have you placed your trust in Him? Have you turned toward God in repentance, or are you depending on your upbringing, good intentions, and achievements?
Do not postpone this examination until you face a crisis. You have an opportunity today to respond to God, seek His forgiveness, and submit your life to Jesus Christ. Give this decision the attention you give your career, family, finances, and future plans.
As you read this message, consider the opportunity before you. You are alive, you have heard the invitation, and you have time to respond now. Second Corinthians 6:2 declares, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
The passing days remind us how brief our earthly lives are. Weeks become months, and months become years. We should allow this awareness to produce wisdom, gratitude, and obedience.
James 4:14 asks:
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
Prepare responsibly for your earthly future, and give serious attention to eternity. Place your faith in Jesus Christ and live according to His Word. Tomorrow is uncertain. Respond to Him today.
Written by: Kevin L A Ewing
ewinglakevin@icloud.com
kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
www.kevinlaewing.com
