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‘Memento Mori’

‘Memento Mori’

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By Clayton Adams Few people talk about it.

Even fewer people prepare for it. Most people never expect it when it happens.

What is it? Death.

We read in the Bible, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

We are reminded from whence we come and to what we will return to, “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Genesis3:19).

We are told by Jesus to focus on the right thing, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Our lives are not about how we die, or when we die, our lives are about preparing for the next life. Are you preparing for your next life?

Have you settled the future of your soul? If not, today, even while reading this article is the right time.

Have you reflected on your relationships? Have you regrets about how you treated others or how life has turned out? In the Bible we read, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). It is “possible” to live in peace with others but it depends on you. If you live in peace, you can die in peace.

Shed your pride, leave your anger and regrets in the past and take the first step to healing. Apologize with sincerity, ask for forgiveness, restore if possible and you will have peace, you will be free from the guilt feelings you have been living with.

The other person may not respond but you will have peace in knowing that you followed the Word of God and have done all to make things “right” with others.

Do all you can to make peace with others.

Have you written to your children and grandchildren and those you love and who have helped you along your walk on this earth? Have you assigned your earthly treasures to those who will enjoy and properly use your earthly treasures that you worked so hard to accumulate? This eliminates the fight over your stuff – maybe not the envy or jealousy of others, but, assigning your earthly goods with a handwritten note (and a will) from you will mean so much to your family and friends.

Have you thought about your funeral? Funerals are not for the deceased; funerals are for your living family and friends. Funerals do not have to be grand affairs but a special time dedicated for family and friends to come together to remember, grieve, celebrate and reflect on you.

Have you prepared for your funeral? The details for a full funeral service or even a graveside service are immense – it’s a terrible weight for a grieving spouse or children to plan your service, pick out the casket, cemetery plot, songs, flowers and a hundred other details when you could eliminate most, if not all of these details yourself. If you haven’t already formerly planned your funeral at least leave a written record of your “wishes” and give this to someone who you trust to carry out your desires.

Whether you have a large bank account with plenty or you have no bank account and live pay check to pay check – the most important asset is your soul. Your soul is of equal value to anyone else – no other soul is worth more or less than yours – in this we are of equal value and significance to God.

Your soul is so important that God sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sin, a debt you could never repay.

Jesus, the only begotten Son of God has paid your debt on the Cross.

We have the freedom to choose God’s Salvation through His Son Jesus or not. If you choose Jesus and follow Him, your soul will live forever in Heaven. If you choose anything or anyone other than Jesus, your soul will forever live in hell. Lastly, what have you done with what God has given you? Have you simply hoarded what you have?

Whatever you have done with what you have, there is a day of accounting coming, you will be judged by Jesus (Matthew 24:14-46).

As we read, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? For the Son of Man (Jesus) is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels and will then repay every man according to his deeds” (Matthew 16:27-28). What will Jesus repay you for?

A simple prayer for Salvation; “Lord, forgive me of my sins against you. I accept on faith; that you have paid the penalty for my sin on the Cross. Lord, help me, from this day forward to live my life not for myself but for you. Amen.”

Remember, the changes in what you do or don’t do will first happen in your heart – God changes our hearts first and because our hearts are changed then our lives change. If you have never read the Bible, I recommend you first read the letter of John. A good Bible to start with will be the New International Version, New American Standard or perhaps the Living Bible.

Shop around for a church that preaches and teaches the Bible but that you feel comfortable with too.

Oh, ‘Memento Mori’ is Latin for “Remember, you must die.” Are you ready?

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@gmail.

com.

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