Have You Decided How To Die?

Spring is the time when we see new life emerging all around us. It's a good reminder to sit back and review goals and direction and the purpose of our sojourn here on planet earth. Where are you going? See Ken Boa's commentary on the Apostle Paul's conclusion:

Ernie

To connect with men who are working to share their faith effectively, check out one of the local CBMC Connect3 teams for breakfast, training and encouragement.

CBMC Worcester team: Monday, 6:45 - 7:45 am at Chick-fil-A, 80 Gold Star Blvd, Worcester
CBMC Leominster team: Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:00 am at Panera Bread, Leominster Whitney Field Mall
CBMC Springfield/PIoneer Valley team Monday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at Chick-fil-A, 25 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT

View Connect3 team video here.

How To Die

by Ken Boa

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

It has been said that how one dies is a reflection of how one has lived. For instance, the American rationalistic philosopher and lecturer Theodore Parker said on his deathbed in 1860, “Oh, that I had known the art of life, or found some book or some man to tell me how to live.” And Yusuf Saladin, a sultan of Egypt and Syria in the 12th century, commanded that his death shroud be fastened to a lance: “Go carry this lance, unfurl this banner, and while you lift up this standard, proclaim this! ‘This is all that remains to Saladin the Great, the Conqueror and King of the Empire, of all his glory.’”

While those two individuals died without embracing a Christian perspective on death or salvation, millions of others have—and have revealed their commitment in their final words. Take the apostle Paul, for instance. From a Roman prison, Paul wrote the last letter of his life to his protégé Timothy. The calm and spiritual repose reflected by his words stands in stark contrast to the sense of futility and hopelessness of many who pass through death without hope for their future or contentment with their past.

Paul knew that his earthly life was almost over. Still, his tone in the letter is unperturbed. Paul saw that his life had been like a race and that he was just about to step across the finish line. When the course is complete and the race has been won, there is nothing but satisfaction and peace in which to revel.

The way Paul died was a reflection of how he had lived. His consuming passion was being faithful to the One who had called him out of darkness and into light. Because he had “kept the faith” that had been entrusted to him, he was ready to see face-to-face the One he had served in life.

Are you living life today so that your last days will be characterized by peace and contentment? Why not renew your intent to have the days of your death be a glorious reflection of the days of your life?

God’s Promise: The purpose with which you live will be

the purpose with which you die.

Ken Boa, KenBoa.org

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