In an Instant: Facing Life’s Final Breath with Readiness
Eternal Readiness: Embracing the Inevitable with Faith and Assurance
A Stark Reminder of Life’s Fragility
Last week, a conversation with a friend abruptly turned into a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. While troubleshooting some engine trouble with the Wood family church van, he shared that a colleague of his had suffered a massive health emergency—there one minute and struggling for his life the next. They did all they could, but ultimately my friend saw him take his last breath. This incident served as a wake-up call not just for him but for me as well. It brought to the forefront a critical question: Are we ready for our last breath? Are our families, friends, and neighbors prepared for their final moments? Today I want to discuss how we can ensure readiness for ourselves and others, guided by the principles of the Great Commission and our Lord.
The Reality of Life’s Uncertainty
Life’s unpredictable nature means that moments of crisis can arise unexpectedly, challenging us to consider our state of preparedness. We often discuss this in the context of finances. My wife and I are currently going through Financial Peace and an emergency fund is important and necessary, but the aforementioned uncertainty isn't just about physical or financial readiness but, more importantly, spiritual readiness. How we respond to this uncertainty can define our approach to life and our interactions with those around us.
Scriptural Reflection: James 4:14 asks, "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." This verse reminds us of the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of living with an awareness of its brevity. I know it might sound morbid, but there is no reason to live in denial about death…it comes for us all.
Preparing Ourselves
Preparation for life’s end begins with a personal examination of our faith and relationship with God. It's a call to ensure that our lives are aligned with God’s will and that we are living in a way that reflects our beliefs, commitments, and His value system.
Practical Steps: Engage regularly in prayer and self-reflection. Assess your life’s priorities and make adjustments that strengthen your spiritual health. Ensure that you have peace with God through a committed relationship with Christ, embracing His forgiveness and salvation.
Helping Others Prepare
The Great Commission compels us to reach out to others, not just with words of hope but with a life that exemplifies the transformative power of faith. Ensuring that others are ready for their final breath involves boldness in sharing the Gospel and living out the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Mission Minded: Actively engage in discussions about faith with friends, family, and neighbors. Be open about your own faith and how it provides hope and assurance. When is the last time you shared your testimony or even helped lead someone to Jesus?
A Call to Vigilance and Compassion
The unpredictability of life, highlighted by sudden events like the sudden death experienced by my friend’s colleague, is a sobering reminder of the need for readiness. Each moment is an opportunity to ensure that we, and those around us, are prepared not just for life’s challenges but also for its inevitable end. By embracing the mission set forth in the Great Commission, we can help others to find the assurance and peace that come from knowing Christ. I want to know that I know that my friends, family, and neighbors are with me in eternity. We have the greatest news known to the world and it would be a shame to hoard that good news of a good God to ourselves.
Reflect and Reach Out
Take time this week to reflect on your own preparedness for life’s final moments. Have honest conversations with your family about faith and eternal readiness. Reach out to a neighbor or friend who may benefit from hearing about your hope in Christ. Let’s not wait until it’s too late to address the most crucial aspects of our lives and those of the people around us. The time is now!