Created to Live

Facing the death of a loved one is never easy. The pain we feel is the absence of that friend or family member. Like the loose thread we pull from a sweater, we do not know when our life on this earth will end. This sobering fact, makes life precious, priceless, and meaningful. David wrote in the Psalms:

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:13,14

 It was God's plan from the beginning of time to create you, patiently weaving your physical body together like one knits a sweater or a pair of mittens. "Fearfully made" to place within you a respect for dangerous situations so as to not naively enter in unguarded. "Wonderfully made" to reflect the wisdom, skill, and brilliance of our maker.

As we live out our days on this temporary sphere, it behoves us to remember that,

"...we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." 

Ephesians 2:10

You are God's workmanship fashioned by the skill of His hands. You're on display for all to see His talent and creativity. Born again through Jesus Christ, we no longer live for ourselves, but for a much higher purpose - that of reflecting or glorifying God!

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a map and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

Yet, our time here is brief, passing quickly, with no reverse nor replay button available. Life only moves onward, forward; and while our physical bodies wear out, our spiritual eternal souls, become more aware that what lies beyond this carnal existence is not only far superior, but also eternal.

When we finally do breath our last breath in this body, we can know it's only a transition from the temporary to the eternal. Our citizenship is realized in that moment! Real life begins. Paul says in Philippians that "our citizenship is in heaven" and in 1 Thessalonians "you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope."

Comfort can come from knowing our loved one has simply gone ahead of us. We do grieve because they are no longer with us, but we have a promise and a hope that we, too, will one day follow in their path to be welcomed into our eternal home.