"Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14) Many times in my life, I have had to ponder the true meaning of this passage. I often read it at funerals to remind the living how precious time is and of their need to prepare and to use time wisely. Do they listen?
In August, another reminder of the truthfulness of the statement in James 4 came crashing in on me. My uncle, my dad's brother, passed away suddenly, at age 65, of a massive heart attack. I received the call on Friday evening after returning from a Bible study. Both my brothers and my dad had tried to reach me--the news probably wasn't good. I called my brothers, my father, and another uncle in Arkansas. On Saturday, my aunt called to say that my cousins wanted me to speak at the service. So I made the trip back to northern Indiana to be with my family during yet another sad occasion.
People who are close to me know that I'm very emotional and that I'm very close to my physical family. Sitting in my office on Saturday afternoon, preparing my thoughts for my uncle's funeral service was very difficult. Thankfully, my uncle gave me some help--during the past few years, he prepared for his death by striving to be a good Christian. He had made a turn for the better and was more committed than I had seen him during any part of his life. I last saw him in May. He came to hear me preach on a Sunday morning In Indiana. As he passed by to leave, he said: "Just keep preaching the truth, Keith; that's what people need to hear--the plain gospel and that they need to live according to its teachings."
No, my uncle was not perfect. During his lifetime, he was not always faithful to the Lord. Sometimes, he said things in a way that left folks with the wrong impression. But at the end of his life, he did better. He learned from his mistakes, and he wanted everyone to have what he had in Christ--hope of heaven. The day before the funeral, I talked with the local preacher at the church where he attended. He told me my uncle had made great strides in trying to live a Godly life. This was very comforting to me personally.
The funeral was difficult. It's tough to realize he won't be here anymore. But, standing over his open grave and reading 1 Thess. 4:13-18, I felt great peace. Please use wisely the time with which God has blessed you. One day your loved ones will gather to tell you goodbye. Help them to have comfort then--by preparing now?