by Kelly Moran
for 11 October 1995
We don't like the idea of planning our own funeral in advance, or making out a will. Even the purchase of life insurance leads to thoughts of our own eventual demise.
Morbid thoughts?
On the other hand, some people can be quite casual about death. On Swedish TV, a recent documentary instructed viewers on how to build their own cheap coffins. Such pragmatism is something for which the Swedish are stereotypically renowned.
But, even this utilitarian view of death can't compare to the next case. This one is from a church in Kalmar, in Southern Sweden. The local paper reported the church's application for permission to link its on-site crematory to the heating system.
Some pragmatist probably watched the chimney on a cold day and hit upon a cost-cutting idea. Next on the agenda might be the decision to schedule the cremations for Saturday night so the worshippers can enter into a toasty warm sanctuary on Sunday morning.
I don't know about you, but when I pass the crematory and see smoke, I get a pretty good case of the chills.
Practical advice. What are you doing today? What does your work involve? Solomon says to do the best you can. His reasoning is that one day all this will be over, and it's better to end your life satisfied with your work than to end your life as a worthless bum.
Look at what Solomon says: "in the grave, where you are going..." That's a pretty sobering thought. You thought you were on the fast track to the top. Eventually, we all have this in common: We'll wind up under six feet of dirt. Death is the end result of life.
So, why not use the heat of the dead to warm the bodies of the living? Inevitably, we'll all take our turn.
Solomon, in all his wisdom, said you should do your best. The prophet Isaiah verified this when King Hezekiah was about to die. He said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." (2 Kings 20:1)
Is your house in order? I'm not talking about your will or your funeral plans, I'm talking about your soul. Are you ready to "meet your maker?"
The Apostle Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21b)
If you live through the day, are you living for Christ? Is Christ exalted in your life? "To live is Christ." If you can't agree, you should be on your knees, putting your house in order.
If you die today, is your situation going to be better or worse? Paul said, "to die is gain."
Although it may be a little bizarre, I like the idea that dead Christians could provide the heat needed for the meeting of those who choose to worship the Eternal God. It's rather symbolic that when you are gone, your body is firewood. Your soul is of primary importance.
"To die is gain."
Paul then wrote, "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Philippians 1:23, 24)
Build your own coffin if you want. Buy life insurance, complete your will, make your funeral plans. But know that it is only Christ who can bring you home. Put your trust in Him!
God, keep me safe today, that I may live today for You.
Published weekly for 4 years and 1 week.
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All Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (unless otherwise noted).
Copyright 1995 by Kelly Moran.