WEDNESDAY April 27, 2022
The Importance of Last Words
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die....
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
This is Paul’s final greeting––his last words as he closes the letter. In his final words, he includes many of those who helped him in the ministry.
It is always a blessing to see how many men and women were in Paul’s ministry. It is a joy at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs to be able to see people investing their lives and time in the ministry––individuals who love God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They love God’s Word, and they are people who are willing and open to serve God in any capacity.
Christians are like a big family. They are united in proclaiming the Gospel together. It is exciting to be a part of the body of Christ and to be busy in the ministry. It is not a one-man team; it is a whole team. We need each other, and, more importantly, we need God to help us accomplish His work.
Our time on earth is brief, and we need to serve the Lord with our whole hearts. God’s people were instructed to: “...walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:4). In this one verse, notice the six actions: Walk, fear (to stand in awe), keep, obey, serve, and hold fast. Are you spending your life doing these very things?
Then at the end of your life, someday if you get the chance, like Paul, you will be able to give your last words of wisdom––to your children, to your wife, to your husband, an employer or a pastor. I wonder what those last words will be. Yet I have seen many people die in hospitals and retirement homes. A nonbeliever does not die like a believer dies. They often die tormented, screaming, and cursing the name of the Lord!
The believer with an eternal hope dies in peace. It is important that when death comes we are ready. A person can die at any moment––in a car crash or of natural causes. Be careful with your words; they could be your last!
The legacy you are passing on to your children and others is the life you are living today.
~Dennis Rainey~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
