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I am asking the question: How would your life be different if you lived like you were dying? I decided in my early thirties to live for myself, and my life’s priority was to find a husband and get married. That was what I was living for. I went to church and was involved in church, but I lived for me. I didn’t number my days, as we read in Psalm 90; I never thought about how fleeting my life was. I lived only for the here and now, wanting what I wanted and wanting it now. It looked at the time like the road to happiness, but it was just the opposite. It was the road to despair and disappointment and failure.
God in his incredible grace has redeemed me, forgiven me, and given me new purpose and joy. But how much better had I numbered my days, recognized this life is short and been willing to do God’s will and not my own. That’s why I’m talking this week about living like you’re dying. Living for eternity.
Think about this: If God called you home today, what would you be remembered for? Some years ago, God showed me I would be remembered as being busy. In fact, it became clear to me I found my identity in being busy, showing the world how much I could do, and then getting the recognition that came my way.
I actually had a vision of my tombstone, and on it was written, “Here lies a busy woman!” Now, understand, it was not wrong for me to be busy—to be doing what God had given me to do and using my gifting in his service. But my motivation was suspect; it was not pure. I wanted—and still do at times—the praise of people.
So, what would be written on your tombstone if today were your last day on earth?
- Here lies a successful business person
- Here lies a good dresser
- Here lies a good singer
- Here lies a great organizer
- Here lies a very creative person
- Here lies a really smart person
Or maybe:
- Here lies a worrying woman or man
- Here lies a fearful person
- Here lies a lazy person
- Here lies a person who had no vision
- Here lies a person who refused to be disciplined
Think of the possible tombstones for some people in the Bible:
- The Apostle Paul: Here lies a man who fought the good fight and finished the race and kept the faith.
- Moses: Here lies the humblest man who ever lived.
- Esther: Here lies a courageous woman who was willing to risk her life for others.
- Mary Magdalene: Here lies a woman who lived her life for Jesus because he rescued her from her sin.
- Deborah: Here lies a woman who stepped way out of her comfort zone—way out of traditional roles—to do what God called her to do.
- Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Here lies the most blessed woman who ever lived.
Think about the people who have influenced your life. For example, on my mother’s tombstone I could write:
- Here lies a woman who loved the Word of God.
- Here lies a woman of total integrity.
- Here lies a quiet, simple woman who blessed everyone in her life.
It’s really important you live like you know this life is not the end-all or be-all. You’re living for eternal values—you’re living like you’re dying.