Death. Something seemingly profound, mysterious and feared. No one wants to die. There is something inherent in human nature that refuses to acknowledge the possibility of death even if years of our species' mortality testify its inevitability. The Bible describes the state of the dead as “conscious of nothing at all,…their love, hate, jealousy also perished” (Ecc 9:5,6), a state of nothingness.
So when I was told to answer the question “If I die soon, what would I do?" I got overwhelmed with all the dark emotions associated with death. It took me a while to focus on the “..what would I do” part of the question. Do I go all carpe diem? Do I do what I love? Be with whom I love?
As I thought harder, more concrete answers materialized. Being a Christian, I strive to abide by Biblical principles. One of the most basic principles that has shaped my priorities is noted in Matt 6:33-“Keep on seeking first the kingdom and all these things will be added to you”. Although I had lapses, I had prioritized spiritual activities over other pursuits and have felt the blessing and satisfaction of following God's commandment. Furthermore, my somewhat different view on death is influenced by my firm faith in the resurrection hope stated in John 5:28,29. This may be why I have had no real fear of nothingness. But that doesn’t mean I am happy about my mortality.
Why do I choose to quote Bible scriptures for this particular reflection? For something as unknown as death, and as finite as life, the only wisdom I could rely on when it comes to how I should lead my short life and what happens after life is God’s wisdom stated in the Bible. I could easily provide a bucket list.
So when I was told to answer the question “If I die soon, what would I do?" I got overwhelmed with all the dark emotions associated with death. It took me a while to focus on the “..what would I do” part of the question. Do I go all carpe diem? Do I do what I love? Be with whom I love?
As I thought harder, more concrete answers materialized. Being a Christian, I strive to abide by Biblical principles. One of the most basic principles that has shaped my priorities is noted in Matt 6:33-“Keep on seeking first the kingdom and all these things will be added to you”. Although I had lapses, I had prioritized spiritual activities over other pursuits and have felt the blessing and satisfaction of following God's commandment. Furthermore, my somewhat different view on death is influenced by my firm faith in the resurrection hope stated in John 5:28,29. This may be why I have had no real fear of nothingness. But that doesn’t mean I am happy about my mortality.
Why do I choose to quote Bible scriptures for this particular reflection? For something as unknown as death, and as finite as life, the only wisdom I could rely on when it comes to how I should lead my short life and what happens after life is God’s wisdom stated in the Bible. I could easily provide a bucket list.
1) Go on a culture and food trip to Rome and Japan.
2) Visit world class museums
3) Teach a preschool class
4) Go to HQ
5) Record all the tracks in my music Album
6) Do 50 random acts of kindness
7) Build my dream house
8) Spend the night under the stars in the middle of the rice field
9) Hug my parents and brothers and tell them I love them (cliché)
10) Meditate and pray all day on the day before I die
But reflecting on what I have done in life so far, made me realize that it doesn't matter whether I accomplish my bucket list in this lifetime or not. The feeling of happiness and satisfaction before you die comes from whether you feel you were successful. It is important to define what you consider a success.
For me, I have done the best I could. My gauge of success is the spiritual treasure I have stored up in heaven. Hopefully, I have enough stored up to earn my way to everlasting life where I have indefinite time to do infinite things. (Rev 21:4-5)
But reflecting on what I have done in life so far, made me realize that it doesn't matter whether I accomplish my bucket list in this lifetime or not. The feeling of happiness and satisfaction before you die comes from whether you feel you were successful. It is important to define what you consider a success.
For me, I have done the best I could. My gauge of success is the spiritual treasure I have stored up in heaven. Hopefully, I have enough stored up to earn my way to everlasting life where I have indefinite time to do infinite things. (Rev 21:4-5)
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