How To Prepare For Death



Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010

by John Waddey
firstcenturychristian

Death is the one absolute certainty in our uncertain world. Further complicating that certainty is the fact that we don't know the day nor hour when death will overtake us. Since we face this unpleasant situation, the wise person will make every effort to be prepared when his summons comes.

Since death takes us beyond this realm into eternity, it behooves us to make our peace with God

While this idea seems unreasonable to skeptic or nonsensical to young toughs on the streets or the crowd swizzling booze at the bar, wise people will use the present to prepare for the future. Amos the sheepherder prophet once said, "Prepare to meet they God, O Israel." That is still good advice. Information on how to make your peace with God can be found only in God's Book, commonly known as the Bible. God has reached out to the human race by sending his only begotten Son to save us(John3:16). Respecting our freedom of choice he extends to us the invitation to come to him (Matt. 11:28). Instructions are as simple as "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).

We also need to make peace with members of our family. Unfortunately many people are alienated from some or all of their family. It is sad to leave this life with this bitterness unresolved. We know it is painful for the survivors. That we can document. Christians believe there is unending conscious life beyond the grave. No one would want to spend eternity haunted by such bitter memories. Even unbelievers must admit they know nothing about life after death. Therefore the best thing is to be reconciled to those we should naturally love.

We need to make peace with our neighbors. Everyone of us lives and operates among many people beyond our family circle. With some we work or play. Some live close by. With some we share membership in clubs, lodges or church. It often happens that over the years things happen to mar the wonderful friendship we once enjoyed with these folks. It will make our final transition easier if we leave on good terms with all our friends.

We need to make peace with ourselves. Unfortunately many people in our day carry a great burden of guilt, anger or bitterness in their hearts. Like some malignant disease, guilt, bitterness or anger corrodes our spirits and eats away at our happiness and our health. Without resolution the soul thus afflicted, robs himself of happiness now and takes it with him into eternity. Peace with self comes easy for the man who first makes peace with God. God offers to forgive him of any and all the sins that haunt him (I John 1:7). He teaches us to love even our enemies (Matt. 5:44). He gives us the inner strength (Eph. 3:16) to forgive them and overcome their evil with our good (Rom. 12:21).

Last of all there is the need to tidy up our personal affairs. Choose a trusted friend to administer your estate when you have departed. Make your will so your family will not quarrel over your possessions. Remember those who are special to you with a gift; make provisions for those who are unfortunate. Make a list of all your accounts and investments so they can be easily located. Put in writing any final wishes such as the disposition of your remains. And the kind of memorial service you would like to have.

Having done the above you can relax and enjoy the days you have left, be they ten or ten thousand. The fear of death is removed from our hearts when we are at peace with God, man and self.

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