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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is life and death. Life refers to our entrance and existence on earth, and death is our departure from earth, which leaves the body lifeless. King Solomon draws a contrast between life and death when he says, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”(Ecclesiastes 7:1-2) In other words, a life of integrity is better than a life of deception which may be exposed before or after your death. A good name lives on even after a person is dead. However, the fragrance of a precious ointment will not linger on forever. It vanishes into the air with time. It is important to work towards our integrity and legacy in life rather than the fleeting pleasures and ill-gotten gains in life. The purpose of life is to be a good steward, glorify God, and live an indelible mark on your generation and posterity to emulate.

Dear friend, life reminds us of the fact that we are stewards with a duty to perform on earth but death reminds us that life is ephemeral or temporary therefore a time of departure will come when we shall give account of all that we have done on earth. (Revelations 20:11-14). For a believer or a Christian, life is an opportunity given by God to serve but death is a gain offered by God to bring life on earth to an end and to usher us into the eternal life promised by our Lord Jesus Christ, it is for this purpose Paul said “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”(Philippians 1:21). How many believers start the day reflecting on the fact that the day may end without them? We often have plans and ambitions in and for life, but hardly do many prepare for death, yet death is the most important, in that it is the gateway to eternity. We often plan and celebrate our birthdays, but how many of us plan for our ‘deathdays’? Death day requires daily preparation, reflection, and accountability.

During funeral services and rites, we are reminded of our feeble lives which are constantly expiring or growing weaker as the days go by and will certainly end in death. Funerals or observation of the day of death reminds all mortals of the end of human beings and also reminds them of the most important things in life. The most important things in life is to live a balanced life. A balanced life has four important components, and these are:

1. Have a personal relationship with God. (Be heaven-conscious and prepared to embrace death anytime)
2. Maintain a good relationship with neighbours through love and selflessness (family, friend and strangers)
3. Work to make money and create wealth for yourself and posterity.
4. Live a healthy life, rest, and enjoy the fruits of your labour even as you await your day of death (health and pleasure)

Life is good but death is better only if we are ever prepared to meet the Lord. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, thank you for the gift of life and death. Help us to be good stewards of life and be well prepared for death which is merely a departure from this world to fully experience Your glorious presence. Amen.