My father’s recent death and memorial service spotlighted the need for wisely making life’s most important and difficult decisions; of which my father did very successfully. The following five questions, and our own answers and actions, not only have an impact upon our eternal destiny, but also upon the peace and joy we will experience while here on earth.
1. Upon whom or what are we basing our eternal destiny (our salvation)?
What proof do we have that we are a born-again “Believer,” indwelt by the Holy Spirit? How would you answer this question, “If you died right now and were standing in front of the gates of heaven, and God said to you, “Why should I let you in here?” What would be your answer?
Here’s a few of the most often given answers; “I go to church most Sundays.” “I’ve tried to do my best in loving and caring for others.” “I was baptized years ago, served as an elder in my church, and I tithe my income.”
Unfortunately, none of these answers secure a person's eternal destiny with God in heaven. The Bible is clear about our salvation only coming through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; and no other way. Acts 4:12 states (NASB), “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Romans 10:8-9 (NASB) states, "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;"
Note that our “works” or “good deeds” do not save us. So, how did you honestly answer the initial “If you died right now . . .” question? Were there any thoughts regarding what you’ve done or accomplished; i.e. your own “good works”?
2. What is the level of Christ’s “Lordship” in our daily lives?
Once we are saved (i.e. a born-again Believer), through faith and the grace of God alone, here’s where the battle begins for the balance of our life on earth. It is the battle of God’s Word and God’s will fighting against our own flesh, mind and emotions!
Painful and lifetime lasting mistakes can sometimes be made due to our own choices, instead of submitting to God’s authority and principles as outlined in the Bible. To help, many “Believers” memorize and quote often Galatians 2:20 (NASB) “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
We can ask ourselves, are we bearing the fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-24 (NASB)? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
3. How can we improve our “stewardship” of God’s money and resources?
First, do we completely acknowledge that God is the “owner” of all our resources? Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the Lords, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” Also Deut. 10:14, “To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.”
What do the following passages reveal regarding our own personal “stewardship” of God’s resources and who we may actually be serving? Luke 12:42 (NASB), “And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?” Luke 16:11-13, “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
What’s our view and position regarding the use of debt? Are we remembering these two verses? Romans 13:8, “Owe no man anything but to love one another.” Prov. 22:7, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
What is our own level of contentment; as well as our own personal giving to the Church, biblically minded organizations and the needs of others? Phil. 4:11-12, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity;” 2 Cor. 8:3-4, “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,” Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
4. How prepared are we for our eventual death?
On December 30th my father was seemingly healthy, smiling and verbally honoring each of the fourteen special guests invited to my mother’s 90th birthday celebration. Seventy days later he took his last breath. As with my father, most people, no matter what the age, think they will live longer.
How well are we prepared for death? Question number one deals with the most important question; will we spend eternity with God and Christ in heaven, or eternally separated from them both?
Regarding the average age at death; Psalms 90:10 (NASB) states, “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years.” Exceptions today sometimes live longer. In 2018 the average age of death in the U.S. was 80 for males and 84 for females.
Which of these basic death preparation items still needs some attention?
· Do I have a clearly stated will and trust, and is it current and up to date?
· Who do I want to manage my finances and who is named as Trustee?
· Have I arranged and paid for death, funeral, burial or cremation costs?
· If I’m incapacitated, whom do I want to care for me?
· Do I have end-of-life health and care instructions?
· Under what conditions do I want medical care to prolong my life, or to be withheld?
5. This Easter season, what changes is God prompting you to make?
Easter is a great time to reflect upon any areas in our life where we have drifted off course. Is it time to come to Christ and resolve our eternal salvation? Is it time to commit, or recommit to God and faithfully follow His biblical principles instead of our own ways?
Let me leave you with Christ’s words given in John 14:27 (NASB), “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
True peace will only come from fully and fearlessly addressing and resolving life’s most important and difficult decisions in light of Jesus Christ and God’s written Word, the Bible.