8 Ways To Prepare For Death & Eternity|Not Everyone Rests In Peace

In the previous article we looked at the 9 reasons why people die before their time and how to overcome the fear of death.

Now that death has no power over us as Christians, how should this change the way we live?

Many people are scared, shocked and stressed when they realize their death or that of a loved one is near. That’s the shock that hit me when i lost my friend to an accident and began asking myself the 3 key questions about death.

Ever wondered why people prepare for new births, baptisms, weddings and anniversaries but very few prepare for death?

But why let death take you by surprise yet you know it will come knocking sooner or later?

The way you live each day and what you focus on here on earth will determine whether you’ll be happy or sad when you go through the valley of death.

A friend shared a story about his sister. She worked hard, saved money and built her dream house. Soon after house warming, she was diagnosed with cancer and given a few months to live. Within a short time, she was on her deathbed.

In her last days as her body wasted away, she kept saying, “My house, my house, my house.” She was sad that she didn’t get time to enjoy her house.

If you had a few days or weeks to live, would you be happy or sad?

Here are 8 ways to prepare for death and eternity;

#1: Live Each Day In God’s Purpose For Our Lives And Accomplish His Assignments

To know more about your purpose and assignment please read this article WHY AM I HERE?|Know The Purpose & Assignment of Your Life

King Solomon wrote,

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

The greatest tragedy of life is missing one’s life purpose and failing to accomplish God’s assignments.

#2: Die To Self

This means denying our sinful desires so it’s no longer us who live but Christ who lives in us. This is possible because we’re a new creation in Christ and He gives us the knowledge and grace to live for Him. (Colossians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:1)

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Dying to self now give us the courage to face death later.

Those who spend their lives living for themselves and loving the world come to the end of their lives disappointed because they were never satisfied and would prefer to stick longer on earth.

#3: We Shall Resurrect And Receive Glorified Bodies

Our new and glorified bodies will no longer be subject to diseases, pain, ageing, tiredness and death. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

^“Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.” (Romans 6:5)

#4: Live As A Sojourners Here On Earth

This world is not our home. We’re simply passing through. Therefore, let’s invest our time, money and resources in things that will count in eternity.

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

If we understood the pain and heaviness of living in this fallen world and appreciated the gain and beauty of the next life, we would say like the apostle Paul,

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Philippians 1:21)

This calls for storing our treasures in heaven not on earth. Rather than spend all the time and resources to meet our needs, we should think of the interests of others and seize every opportunity to be a blessing to people who need our help.

#5: Live Wisely Because Our Days Are Numbered

God wrote in His book the days allotted to each one of us. (Psalms 139:16) And because we don’t know how many days are left, we live wisely and do everything that’s required of us as if this day is our last. One day it will be.

Therefore, let’s love, forgive, hug, give and repent as long as it’s day.

And let’s pray, “…teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalms 90:12)

Don’t fear to think about death. When you remind yourself that this world is not your home, you’ll want to live like a pilgrim on earth as you look forward to your sweet home. Abraham chose to live in tents because He looked forward to living in the city built by God. (Hebrews 11:9-10)

King Solomon says, “Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies – so the living should take this to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

#6: Mourn Differently When Our Loved Ones In Christ Die

Because we know where they’re going and because we shall soon join them, we’re comforted and grateful that Christ conquered death. Christian funerals should be places for celebrating lives and preaching the hope of eternal life.

^“13And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.

¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

May God give us the faith and courage of Job. After he had lost his possessions and learnt about the death of his children, he said,

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!”  (Job 1:21)

#7: We Pursue Heavenly Things & Not Earthly Things

Jesus went to prepare a place for us. Here on earth, we’re stewards of the possessions God has given us and we shall give an account of how we used them. So, we don’t lie, cheat, fight and kill to get cars, houses, degrees and titles because they won’t matter in eternity. (John 14:1-3)

“¹Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

² Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”  (Colossians 3:1-2)

#8: Prepare For Our Departure From Earth

For instance, it’s wise to make a legal will for the proper distribution of the possessions God has entrusted to us on earth. Not writing a will is one of 8 Costly Mistakes Older Leaders Make. We should also not keep secrets that would bring harm to our families or companies in our absence.

If you died suddenly, is there something you’d wish you had taken care of? Do it as soon as you can.

Blessed Are Those Who Die In The Lord

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!” (Revelations 14:13)

Preparing for death now prepares us to die in peace when the Lord calls us home.

The worst anyone can say on their deathbed is, “I wish I knew.” I wish I had not done this or that. That’s why the righteous rest in peace because they have nothing to hide, nothing to lose and nothing to fear.

But backslidden Christians and the wicked die in sorrow and regret because they have everything to lose including their soul.

The thought of death should not stop us from living, serving and enjoying life but should remind us we’ve got limited time. Therefore, we should make the most of every day we have breathe.

If you had 4 minutes, 4 days, 4 months or 4 years to live, what would you change about the way you’re living today?

“If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live,” said Martin Luther King, Jr. People die for their countries and other causes. Have you discovered what you’re ready to die for?

Here is a beautiful reminder from King Solomon,

“¹Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in

your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”

² Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.

³ Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

⁴ Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

⁵ Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

⁶ Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. ⁷ For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)

One day, sooner or later your life will come to an end.

May the Lord help you to make the most of the remaining days of your life.

Jesus is coming back soon.

Please don’t be left behind.

Don’t miss heaven.

Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.