Have you ever dreamed about breathing your last breath? It sure gives you a
different perspective on life!
…As I was hovering above my body, wondering what had happened to me, I couldn't
help but notice those standing beside my body, mourning. Some had tears in their
eyes, others were making moaning sounds into their hands. I felt compassion for
them, and insurmountable love overwhelmed me. But I had no way now to reach out
to them and encourage them!
Memories of the myriads of people I had encountered during my lifetime flooded
my mind, and with them, overwhelming regrets for not having loved them the way
my Lord does! How impatient I had been with little Johnny, who was only asking
for a few seconds of my attention. And Ted, whose car had broken down on the
road. Why hadn't I taken the time to help him out on my way to work? And what
about Sonya, who was trying to raise her three children by herself? Why had I
never shown any compassion towards her?
Then I was haunted with the whispers I had spoken behind people's backs: "Did
you notice that my colleague, Marc, always tries to impress his boss, but in all
reality he never takes part in any responsibility? And what about Karen, that
church member who always seems to make sure she attracts the attention of all
the men in the congregation? And Tim, my cousin. He annoys me constantly with
his good-for-nothing wife! A real unique pair they are!"
Was this bantering ever uplifting? Had my secret whispers encouraged anyone?
Then I remembered people who had been hungry for the Lord. Although I might not
have been aware of it at that time, I had still left them wanting, left them
feeling unloved. Would they ever reach heaven? Would my cold shoulder keep them
from every meeting our Lord? Instead of being an edifier in their lives, had I
only been an obstruction?
All those missed opportunities and no turning back! What had I done with my
life!
We will all end up eventually in death. However, instead of tragedy and regrets,
it could be the beginning of a glorious victory celebration in Heaven. There
will be no tears for those who reach their ultimate destination in God's
neighbourhood! No way! There will only be great rejoicing!
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's
happiness." (Matt 25:23 NIV)
"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven."
(Luke 6:23 NIV)
Is it really worth to spend all this time with the illicit lovers we have
mentioned in this series, the illicit lovers who distract us from our real
purpose on Earth? Isn't it all about loving God and loving others the way He
loves them? Isn't this what we have been created for? Is this not our real
destiny? Anything else will leave us far from ever being satisfied and we will
end up being filled with regret!
"No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within
us, and his love becomes complete in us - perfect love!" (1 John 4:12 The
Message)
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.