Head in the Clouds?

I think often of those that have come and gone since the beginning of time. They had their beliefs and all wondered what, if anything exists beyond the grave. Generation after generation we populate the earth and generation after generation death swallows us up.

And so it's our turn to fill these vacated seats as living, breathing beings; nearly all of which fearfully anticipate the fate we all face. Is it from dust to dust or is it dust to dust to spirit? As Christ followers we believe in the spiritual and anticipate, that like Christ, we too will be resurrected to dwell with the Creator God; a hope that gives us peace as we believe loving characteristics are what defines Him.  But one of the most difficult fears for people to process is the certainty of our expiration and therefore the fearful anticipation of whether or not all things become final and complete in that moment; a fear that often paralyzes its host.

I don't know about you, but when I think back to those that have come and gone, I actually feel a sense of encouragement. You see, we all want to feel a part of something; a community of sorts.  It's a common human trait to purge loneliness and seek communion and commonality with others. Ultimately, this is likely the reason death draws such great fear because it's a moment we must journey alone and we're scared that we may end up alone; separate from those we may leave behind.  So here's my point: YOU'RE NOT ALONE. We've had multiple generations come and go before us, all taking this same journey and walking the same path. Look around, we're all in the same boat! We're all working to preserve life and extend our expiration date. We all wonder the same things. While some of us have hope that we will continue to live beyond the grave in relation with a loving Creator, some believe they're laid to rest in an eternal sleep. My faith pushes me to believe the spiritual, but even if we fall into an "eternal sleep," I'd personally be content with that. We can't control the unknown and it becomes a futile and paralyzing process when we try.  

So why do I write about this? As Christians, we have a selfish tendency to invest ourselves in the eternal because it gives us an intoxicating sense of peace and comfort, temporarily defending against the reality that our lives are short. Herein lies the problem.  This comfort keeps us focusing on the "peaceful eternal" (as though we were already there) and hinders us from vigorously pursuing the mission of the "here and now."  This comfort is completely contrary to the message of the gospel. The fruits of our eternal investment (i.e. salvation) are what should be lived out here and now.  Doing so achieves our hope for living eternal life beyond the grave but MORE IMPORTANTLY empowers us to leave a living legacy that lasts far beyond our death. How? Through our daily, Christ-like actions. Why? Because true salvation is the life changing process that draws us away from the ego-centric self and towards the outward expression of love for our fellow-man. Especially towards those that are still enslaved by sin with no direction on how to break free from it's bondage. 

The sooner you come to grips with the fact that this life is a mist, the sooner you will pick up your cross and do the will of God TODAY.  Don't get to the end of your life and realize it never truly began.

So spend life as though today's actions are all that will live beyond the grave but continue to hope for eternal life through the salvation of Christ.

Depressing thought or simply reality smacking us in the face?