Do you know how to live? Do you know how to die? Christians are ready to live and ready to die. They can stand up to life without defeat and they can accept death without despair. The apostle Paul expressed this kind of confidence when he said,

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” (2 Timothy 4:6) All of us would like to be able to face life and death that way. What enables a person to do that? First, a firm commitment to Christ. Paul was ready to die because years before he had made a commitment of his life to Jesus Christ. He said earlier, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) When it comes to death, we must not commit ourselves to anyone else than Jesus Christ. He alone is sufficient for us then. Second, a faithful life. Paul not only had made a commitment; he had been true to that commitment. He summed up his life this way: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) It was not only his firm commitment but his faithful life that enabled him to say, “I am ready.” Third, a future hope. As Paul looked into eternity, he said, “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day.” (2 Timothy 4:8) Death was not the end for him. Something else remained, and it was the glorious reward of the Lord. And the same crown is reserved for “all who have loved His appearing.” Are you ready to live? Are you ready to die? Give your life to Christ and He will make you adequate for both.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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