Dealing With Death
Dealing with Death - Experienced By Everyone
Dealing with death is a life experience that no one wants to face. Life can often seem like swimming in the ocean during high tide. Even if we know how to swim and jump over the big waves at just the right time, when we least expect it-wham! We are broadsided, and find ourselves spinning and bouncing off the bottom of the ocean with a mouth full of sand. If we fight, it takes longer to get to the surface. But if we float with the current, we come right to the top. Floating when we are frightened is difficult. It takes trust and concentration. Dealing with the death of a loved one is similar. In order to cope, it takes trust.
Death is nearly always accompanied by questions - especially "why." Whether we are facing our own death, or the death of someone we love, we want answers. Why is this happening? What did I do to deserve this? Is there life after death? The sooner we learn to float - to trust - the easier it is to discover the answers we are seeking.
Dealing with Death - The True Position
When dealing with death, the solution is the same whether the death is our own or that of a loved one. As hard as it is to accept, we must understand that death is a part of life. As some have quipped, death is the only thing in life that comes with a 100% guarantee.
It is helpful to realized that while our bodies are mortal, all human beings are eternal - our soul and spirit will never die. Our spirits - the essence of who we are - will live forever!
Dealing with Death - No greater Love
Dealing with death was not a problem for Adam and Eve-the first man and woman who ever lived. However, once they sinned against God, things changed. Dying was a result of Adam's sin of disobedience.
We may think of death as final, but there is no end in the plan of God. We are eternal beings in His sight. Have you ever wondered why, even though your body might be aging, you don't feel "older" inside? It's because your spirit is eternal. The Bible says that God has placed eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
God desires for us to spend eternity with Him, yet He has left that choice up to us. God has made all the provisions for us to be with Him forever. He has no greater love than His love for us.
Dealing with Death - What is the issue?
Dealing with death is largely influenced by what we think of Jesus Christ. It also affects where we will spend eternity. In His infinite love, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us. When we believe in Jesus Christ and that He died as payment for our sins, we are guaranteed eternal life with Him forever.
If you are a child of God, dying is a promotion. Do we want to be with God forever? Do we understand that the only other option is to be separated from Him forever? Jesus said, "…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).
How we respond to the gift of Jesus Christ will determine where we spend eternity. God the Father loves all His creation and He waits on high to bless and redeem us. Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." If we know Christ as our personal Savior, we need not fear dying. As for those we love, it becomes our responsibility as believers to pray for the salvation of those who do not know Him. For those who do, death is a celebration - a homecoming!
As we begin to think of ourselves as eternal beings, the realization that there is a future will help us cope with the present circumstances. We begin to ask specific questions concerning eternity. We will be separated from our earthly body and separated from loved ones? Will we see them again? How do we define separation? How do we deal with separation in life and in death? God has a plan for us here on earth. God has a plan for eternity - He reveals it to us.
What about you? Do you know Christ as your Savior today? If you have not yet made that decision, why not do it now.
What is your response?
