For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:24-25 (ESV)
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Psalm 39:5 (ESV)
Facing the end of life is hard for those facing this truth and for the loved ones who are facing it with them. I’m not wanting to have a morbid or sad post however, I would like to stress how we all view the reality of our lives. Life is but a vapor (James 4:14 AMP), meaning we are here on this earth only for a short while as no human being can control their future. None of us will live forever so what we do while we’re alive, whether positive or negative, can have a lasting impact on those who we have encountered throughout our lives.
I read an article about a funeral business in South Korea that offers free funerals for the living. They simulate a funeral service for those who are alive with the hopes they will consider their current choices/decisions, as they move forward in life. The article states it has allowed individuals to reconnect with family and friends they were separated from, due to past hurts and/or misunderstandings. However, one would hope that a person would not have to take it to this extreme, in order to live life as you should.
As stated in Psalm 39:5, we are reminded that our time on Earth is short compared to eternity. As such, we should seek to live a life of being kind, loving to others, honest, and choosing to do good always. To be who God would have us be, and not striving to have worldly attitudes, nor to focus on gaining wealth and/or position no matter the costs (see Matthew 6:19-20). Instead, be people who seek to give and help others, not looking for anything from them in return.
Let us from this point forward choose to live life well, the way God (not the world) intended. Of course, we will work hard to build our financial legacy for ourselves and loved ones but, we will not compromise our core character to do so. May our natures and our desires, be in line with God’s so that when we go out into the world, we will naturally seek to do good and not harm. As we arise each day, may our mission (whether great or small) be to make a positive impact in God’s world and with His people.
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com