April 30 - Endings

2 Timothy 4: 6-7

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith.

These were Paul's words as he neared his death. There is no way to know when we are going to die. We may be told by a doctor that we have only a few weeks to live or even days, but we never really know in advance when we will take our last breath. Since this aspect of life is so unpredictable, we should live our lives as if each day could be out last...because it really could be.

Paul lived an amazing life. Until his conversion, he persecuted believers and lived according to the world. He began to live completely for God, preaching and sharing his love to everyone he came in contact with. He truly loved the Lord.

At the end of his life, he looked back and reflected. What he found was a life lived for Christ. He was at war with sin and the world. His life purpose was to preach the gospel, so that others could reap the blessings and love that Christ continually shows his people.

When I near my end, whether it be in an instant or a long and agonizing experience, I hope that I can reflect and be pleased with how I lived my life. Paul goes on to explain how he will receive rewards in heaven...

We are rewarded on earth with life. We are also rewarded in heaven with eternal life with God. The world gives us nothing but temporary satisfaction. We are left with heartbreak and nothing. In God's love however, we are always surrounded by his love and attention. His mercy and grace run deep. That is something truly worth living for.

Is what you are living for worth dying for?