The One About the Wisdom of Living As If You Are Dying
Dear West Family
The last few weeks have served fresh reminders of mortality which have struck crippling blows to my somewhat blissful daily denialism of the fact that life - in this world, and in this way - is temporary, and that any particular day might be the last for me, or for those I love around me. I know, welcome to Thursday Thoughts, we’re all gonna die! You’re welcome.
These reminders began with a phone call from a doctor in South Africa suggesting that my father-in-law was entering his last lap of life on earth. Sue and I started booking flights and arranging for her to take the trip, and then he rallied, and is doing better than he was a few weeks ago. It reminded me that any day could be his last and there is nothing we can do about that.
Then, not too many days later, I began to experience some pretty severe (for me anyway) chest pains and shortness of breath. I double checked my life insurance and then did what all responsible men do … I waited for it to go away. I did go see a doctor and it turns out that I am just a big baby and that I have the heart of a healthy racehorse, but I was sobered. Any day could be my last.
Then, as I prepped to preach the message this last Sunday, I was struck deeply by the focus and clarity that Nehemiah had which allowed him to not waste time and energy on distractions. I was convicted that I waste so much time, and that with every moment that is frittered away on worldly nothingness, I have one less moment to dedicate to things that matter for eternity.
Lastly, I got three texts from friends this week that spoke of tough medical news. One was from a young family at our North congregation who is in the middle of a confusing and scary medical emergency. One was from a beloved and faithful goer whose doctors have said that no more treatment is available. One was from two of my favorite people at West with news that her cancer has spread and that the fight ahead is going to be hard.
When I called my friend at West this morning to let him know that we were praying for them, he said something astonishing.
He said …
“We are all terminal, and we all need to make the most of whatever days we have left.”
WE ARE ALL TERMINAL!
It reminded me of Psalm 39:4-5 which says,
“Oh LORD, make me know my end
And what is the measure of my days;
Let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreaths,
And my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!”
According to the Scriptures, we should all live with the intensity, sobriety, and wisdom of a terminal diagnosis, because we are all terminal!
In the day to day distraction of life, I tend to forget that I am going to die.
In the day to day distraction of life, I also tend to forget that I will be resurrected to live forever.
The reminder of those two realities helps me to remember that I shouldn’t waste time!
Friends, the news is bad … you’re terminal. But also, the news is incredible … you will live forever in glory.
Make the most of your days! Don’t get distracted.
The music this week is from Switchfoot. It is about living like you’re dying. I have always loved this line.
“I’m not sentimental, this skin and bones is a rental, and no one makes it out alive.”
Switchfoot - Where I Belong [Official Audio]
See you Sunday,
Ross
