This month, we have introduced these ideas:
(1) The goal is to spend our time on earth wisely.
(2) There is more to enjoy BEYOND death than there is before it!
(3) Life is full of losses, and grief is the natural human mechanism to cope.
(4) In embracing life and death, remember the eternal power of love.
Today, we have two thoughts to offer:
(5) Life is the opportunity to love God while we love our neighbor as ourselves.
Matt. 22:37-40 (NKJV) 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
When we find ourselves at an emotional low point, we should turn our thoughts to worshipping God and serving others! It will help every time.
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, of the smallest act of caring — ALL of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
(6) You and I are called by God to serve as we embrace life and death!
My mother used to say, “Boys, hoe your row all the way to the end!” She was specifically talking about weeding the garden, but she was teaching a larger lesson about life. Don’t quit before you’re finished.
Our time to work and serve is limited.
Even my one-hundred-year-old mother-in-law knows what lies ahead. Her faith has carried her through a century and I can’t relate to that. But I do know this about us: Someone, somewhere, is depending on us to do what God has called us to do!
2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV) = (Paul told Timothy and us) As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
I can’t do the things I need to do without help from others and neither can you! I can’t do all the things I’d LIKE to do. These days, my mind is writing checks that my body can’t cash.
Thought question: What is it that frightens us about death if death is far better?
Philippians 1:23-24 (NKJV)
23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
You and I are still on this earth, so I must conclude that the Lord is not finished with you (and me) yet.
Let us make it a good day!
Doug Greenway
These blog articles are written by the retired minister and former educator and counselor, Doug Greenway. He'd love to hear from you with your comments, questions, or suggestions for future topics. You may reach Doug at doug_greenway@yahoo.com.