Light in death

“Death is just the beginning of what I’m living for.” These are the words of one of my incredible teammates, Tanner. When I first heard him say this, I didn’t think much of it as we typically do in conversations in this fast paced world. But when I actually sat down and thought about these wise words, I was caught off guard by how convicted I was. As a Christian, I have already died once. Once, to myself. Everyday I strive to become less of my selfish, worldly self and more like my perfect Father. For some reason we are afraid of physical death whether we admit it or not. It’s what drives us to _________ (we’re all different, fill in the blank).

But in reality, death is the gateway to the paradise I’ve been living for. Here on earth, we are called, “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) We are called to live a life that reflects all of who Jesus is – His unconditional love, His radiant joy, His gracious forgiveness, the list is endless. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) We cannot earn our way to salvation through a checklist of things we think as Christians we must do – reading our bible, going to a bible study, giving to the poor, volunteering at church, doing/saying all the ‘right things’ – no these things are not bad, but we shouldn’t do them out of obligation. The more we fall in love with our Creator, the more desire, passion and willingness we will have to reflect the light of Jesus to those around us. It becomes less of a task and more of a way of life – leaking Jesus, rather than trying to impress Him. A servant – that is what we are called to be on this earth. Of course it looks different for everyone, we are created perfectly by the King himself with different passions, gifts and dreams to fulfill His plan and it’s our responsibility to listen to what he has for us. 

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) I think one of the things in life I worry about most is not fulfilling the beautiful biography that The Lord has already written for me. Not doing what, going where, or saying what He’s calling me to do is an overwhelming thought to me, but I find so much comfort in the fact that I don’t have to know. All I can do is listen and wait what He shows me and go from there. For me, it’s just a matter of living freely. Yes, the ‘world’ may see it as lazy, crazy and unsuccessful, but in the end who am I really trying to please – people or God?

“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7) That salary number, that diploma, that fancy car, even your best friend isn’t going to satisfy you or give you the one thing you’ve wanted your whole life – an unfailing relationship full of love. For me, the light at the end of the tunnel is being engulfed by my Saviors’ love in Eternity. What’s at the end of yours?