“Quality Or Quantity?”

Jarrod Jacobs

                   A while back, I heard the story of an 18 year-old girl who had a very rare, incurable form of cancer. She had fought it, but was told there was basically no hope of a cure. She decided to stop all treatments, medicate for pain management, and wait for death.

                   It was a sad story, but one thing she maintained was that she wanted to “enjoy life.” She said she wanted a “quality life,” rather than, in her words, “just exist.” We might expect such talk from an 81 year-old, but not from an 18 year-old. She said she wanted “joy,” and “happiness,” and knew that endless doctor’s appointments would not provide it.

                   After hearing this girl’s story, I couldn’t help but think, “I hope she is a Christian.” And, “If she cannot look forward to a home in Heaven, then all the traveling she gets to do, and the ‘joy’ she thinks she has will be hollow.” There is a lesson for us in this. Regardless of our life-span, true quality of life is based upon whether or not we are a child of God (Acts 2:38). Solomon said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13). One day, all of us will face death (Heb. 9:27). When this happens, the most important question will be, “Did I die as a Christian?” Since no one has a lease on life (Jas. 4:14), this decision needs to be made today (II Cor. 6:2; Mk. 16:16)! Our relationship with God, not long years on earth, is what brings true quality to our lives!

What If You Knew …?

Jarrod Jacobs

            What if you knew the day of your death? Suppose you could know. Would this change you? Would you be in denial that you would really leave this earth on a “set” day? I imagine some would be. Perhaps by knowing, some would spend the rest of their lives trying to extend their life just one more day. I imagine some would accept it and live their lives as if they didn’t know.

            But, would we change anything about our lives? Would we “straighten up” and live as the Bible says? Would we howl and cry against God, blaming Him for our death-day? I am positive that there would also be those who would procrastinate doing anything about their lives until the literal last minute!

            What if you knew ….. What would you do?

            No, we do not know the day of our death. All we can do is prepare. We don’t know if we will live another 10 minutes, 10 years, or 100 years (Prov. 27:1). Therefore, it is written, “Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:7-8). Paul said, “Now is the accepted time ... now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). How interesting it is to note the urgency with which the apostles preached and wrote. Perhaps part of their urgency stemmed from the fact that they did not know when they were going to die, either!

            All we know is that there is a day coming when we will either leave this world, or the Lord will return to judge the world (I Cor. 15:51-57; I Thess. 4:13-18). We do not know when the Lord is returning, any more than we know when we will die (Matt. 24:36). Sounds to me like we better be prepared for eternity, and do so without delay.

            What if you knew ….. What would you do?

How Will God Feel When You Die?

Jarrod Jacobs

            God is not oblivious to the goings-on of men. He knows who we are, and what we are doing (Prov. 15:3). Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29-31). We know that God is aware of us, and knows when we leave this earth. How will God feel when YOU die? Will He be...

            SAD? “As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezek. 33:11). “Have I any pleasure in death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ezek. 18:23)

            GLAD? “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps. 116:15). “He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood be in his sight” (Ps. 72:13-14).

            The difference in God’s response to a man’s death is seen in what that man’s relationship was with God in life. Which are you, a sinner or a saint? Become a saint by believing in Christ as God’s Son (Jn. 8:24), repenting of your sins (Lk. 13:3), confessing Christ as the Son of God (Matt. 10:32), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16). Have you done this?

Betrayed
(by D.J. Higgins)

Friend, I stand in judgment now

And feel that you’re to blame somehow.

On earth, I waited with you day by day,

And never did you point the way.

 

You knew the Lord in truth and glory

But never did you tell His story,

My knowledge then was very dim,

You could have led me safe to Him.

 

Yes, I knew He’d made the earth,

But knew not of that second birth.

And now I stand this day condemned,

Because you failed to mention Him.

 

You taught me many things that’s true.

I called you “friend” and trusted you.

I learn, now that it’s too late,

You could have kept me from this fate.

 

We walked by day and talked by night,

And yet you showed me not the Light.

You let me live, and love, and die,

And knew I’d never live on high.

 

Yes, I called you “friend” in life,

And trusted you in joy and strife.

And yet, on coming to this end,

I cannot, now call you “my friend.”

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Brethren, are we truly being a “friend” to those who do not know the Lord?

[See: II Timothy 2:2; I Timothy 4:6; I Peter 4:11]

 

            Every day we are aware of people who have died. Truly, our life on this earth is brief at its longest (Jas. 4:14). Have you considered what you will leave behind at death? Some perhaps will leave behind life insurance policies and similar things for their survivors. But, are these things the true measure of a man? No. What will we leave behind at death?

            First, your influence, good or bad, will be felt by those who are left at your passing. Concerning the death of the saints, Christ said, “Their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13; I Tim. 5:24). If we are unsure as to whether or not our influence is felt after our death, take note of how many people are named “Jezebel” or “Judas” these days. Yet, many are named “Paul, “Hannah,” “James,” and “Sarah.” Why do people cringe at the names of Adolph Hitler, or Mussolini? Our influence is felt even after our death! Therefore, while we live, let us make sure our influence is godly. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

            All our intentions will be left behind at death. The obituaries are filled with people who planned on a “tomorrow” that never came. Once this earth-life is over, there is no coming back. Job said that “a man lies down, and rises not again” (Job 14:7-12). Solomon said, “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7). Therefore, let us get our priorities in order. Those who die in their sins, have wasted their lives. Make the right decision and remember “now is the favorable time ... now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). If we don’t take advantage of this day, and our opportunities, we may not get another chance.

            Are you a friend of God, or Satan? (Matt. 12:30) Remember, friendship with God depends upon whether or not you are a Christian (Acts 22:16; Mk. 16:16). When the end of your life comes, you will leave much behind!