Monday, April 20, 2015

Have you Embraced Mortality?

During the past few weeks I have been forced to deal with death at some level. I've attended a funeral for a young man that decided that death was his only option, for a woman who's cause of death is unknown, and for a woman who lost the battle with some health complications. Regardless of how the death occurred, the end result was still death. What's even more interesting is that my pastor preached a sermon on Resurrection Sunday (Easter) about mortality. So, death has been a major topic in my life.
At each funeral I attended, I began to think about my experiences with that person, our interactions, our connection, etc. I can think of many good things about each person, I then started to look at those around and wonder how did that person affect the people (friends/family/acquaintances) around them. As I listen to stories that people share I was comforted by knowing that a great impression was left behind. Now I am wondering, what am I leaving behind?
I can't help but think about my relationship with Christ during these times because we all know, absent from the body means to be present with the Lord. But can we say that about everyone? I've become painfully aware that everyone will not spend eternity with Christ. But am I doing my due diligence by spreading God's Word (planting and/or watering seeds)? Am I being naive by thinking that all of my family and friends are saved? Am I living a life that pleases Christ or am I leading people astray? These are the feelings that I am currently dealing with. I know without a shadow of doubt that Christ is alive today, that He paid the ultimate price by taking on the wrath that I should face. But what about others? Do you believe in Him? Have you made Him Lord of your life? If you died today, do you know where you will end up (Heaven or hell)?
I have embraced death. I am sure of my salvation and where I'll spend eternity but now I must make sure that everyone around me not only know God's Word but that they have the opportunity to receive Him, if they haven't already done so. In I Samuel 20:3 David reminds us that we are one step away from death; Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were STILL sinners Christ died for us; Romans 3:23-24 tells that we ALL have sinned and fall (present tense) short of His glory; Romans 10:9-10 tells us that we don't have to jump through hoops to be saved, for it says (vs 9)"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (vs 10) For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
With all of this being said I must ask the following questions:
1. If you're saved, what are you doing to help build the kingdom?
2. If you haven't accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, will you do so today?