Death is not a fun topic but life forces us to talk about it. No matter how uncomfortable it is to deal with, we will eventually have to because death happens. It happens too early, too drastic, too often, and on occasion it slows down, lingering at the outskirts of life - almost mocking us. Death is not prejudice, it is not racist, it is not partial, or impressed by your lifestyle or accomplishments. No matter how much we hate death, it continues to live.
Many
of us are thrown when somebody we view as successful, and legendary passes away suddenly. Maybe it's because they are NOT supposed to just die like that. We view them as having conquered some of the things that drain life from us. Their status or money can give them privileges many don't have access to like a better security alarm on their home, better neighborhoods, better vehicles, first class airfare, the best doctors, the best lawyers, even the ability to hide when necessary. By having security that follows them around all day, that caters to their needs at public events, and even bodyguards, they are often kept free from the daily fears we have just going to buy groceries . If you happen to find one of these people who treats others well, provides services for the underprivileged, they use their platform to inspire, and equip the next generation... they are really NOT supposed to just die prematurely. They have every reason to be the one who gets to live long. But we continue to learn that death still infiltrates life, even the best lived ones.
LIVE TO DIE
If we want to conquer death, we have to learn to "fight fire with fire". Basically, learn to Live to Die. If we will learn to live
to die, we could better enjoy the days we live instead of fearing death. When we understanding that death is going to
knock on everybody's door , why act like it never will? Take full advantage of every day, every breath, every encounter and ... LIVE! In order to live well, while we still have breath in our bodies, it
would be good to forgive quickly, to admit when we're wrong so our relationships don't suffer long. Love people! Be there for our family, our children, leave provision for them Spiritually, Mentally, and Financially, so when we are gone they have something to guide them. Leave a LEGACY, do something that outlives us! Legacy does not always require us to be rich, we may or may not be able to establish an organization, but when we can't do one thing, do what we can do. Impact lives of those around us. Change how they see themselves or this world and give them tools to succeed. People are the greatest project we can ever have, and they in turn, can give what we have given them, to others.
Live your life to it's fullest. When I say that, I don't mean go bungee jumping if that is not your thing. But do things that bring life to you, and those around you. Enjoy the company of those you know, while being good unexpected company for those you don't know. Go somewhere, see this great creation that God has made and meet people you may have never seen if you didn't on occasion leave your comfort zone. Be the best you that you can be, trust God and talk to Him every day. Love the skin you're in while taking care of it. Overall, live and enjoy the life that God gave you, and when death comes, you leave full because it was a great ride, but also empty because you gave it your best.
OUTLIVE DEATH
Lastly, I can't stop with just encouraging us to enjoy this life without thinking about the next. You may not be a believer, but I am, so my life is geared towards living to die. Death has no victory over believers, in fact it is simply a time to cross over from this life to eternal life. If you believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ, then you know that it's appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgment. I have had people challenge me and they say, "What if you are wrong?" I tell them this... "If I am wrong about my biblical beliefs, if I'm
wrong about what I think about death and the hereafter, if I'm wrong, one thing I know is that I've lived good! I have treated people well, I have forgiven people
who have hurt me, I have spent time encouraging people who were hurting and helped them regain their footing in life. I have forgiven myself for things I'd done, and I have peace when I sleep. I expect that same peace when I leave this world. I am not ashamed of this Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I believe that everyone's last moment belongs to God. He hears what every heart prays and we can't put others in heaven or hell. I am glad to be a partaker of His promises and His grace. Everything is not perfect in my life, but I hold hands with Someone who loves me in my imperfection, while covering me with His perfection.
I pray for all those who are struggling with their own vulnerability to death, those who are having to deal with the realities of it. I encourage you to not the thought of death discouraged you. Death holds no victory LIFE does; so live a life that says "If nothing else when I die, I have lived."