How Will You Finish?
In my newsletter this week, I would like to ask a simple question - at the end of your life, will you be happy with how you lived your life? The question could pertain to decision making, the way you treated others, the way you served or didn’t serve. Maybe the question relates to the way you set yourself up to secure yourself eternally or maybe the way you rejected the idea. Whatever the case, in my position, as I have seen and been with people who are nearing the end of their time on earth, many typically reflect on their lives and replay the things that they have done and enjoyed as well as the things they wished they had done differently. In numerous conversations with those who are in the end stages of life, I see various people struggle with regrets. Several wrestle with guilt and shame because they wished they could have put away their pride and enjoyed the little things instead of dwelling on things that stole their joy. Likewise, I have seen multiple people say they know they can’t go back and change the unwise choices that they made. When conversing, I also often hear them admit that they knew in their heart what the right thing was for them, but they still refused to follow righteous living that required them to make a life-style change. As time begins to pass quickly, and their health declines, my conversations eventually lead to discussions that ultimately offers an opportunity to choose to follow Jesus. If I am being transparent, 9 out of 10 of those who once rejected Him, are now open to hearing the Gospel story because they know there are only 2 choices, acceptance or rejection. Honestly, this makes me sad that they have struggled with this decision all these years, but I am not one to question Jesus’s perfect timing either. With this said, I recently read an article titled Going to Heaven. I would love to share with you one part of a quote that I thought was interesting. Pastor Nelson stated: “Today it’s popular to say, “Everyone’s going to heaven” or “All paths lead to heaven.” There are many who think they can have heaven without having Jesus. They want the glory, but they don’t want to be bothered by the cross, much less the One who died there. Many don’t want to accept Jesus as the only way of going to heaven and are determined to find another path. But Jesus warns us that no other path exists and that the consequence for rejecting this truth is an eternity in hell. He told us that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36). Faith in Christ is the key to going to heaven.” Though Pastor Nelson has communicated a strong statement, I encourage you to think about these things even if you are not sure what you believe or where you are in your walk. A good reminder- Jesus does not ask you to be perfect, he only asks you to be obedient. In His words… “Come as you are” No matter what you have done or where you are spiritually, He is waiting!
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11
Chaplain Tracey Burns
Reflection Questions:
What is your end goal in life?
Will you be satisfied on the day of completion?
If not, what areas do you need to still surrender in order to have full assurance?
Bonus: Great song (if you are interested), will you lay down your burdens and “Come as You Are?”