Posted on 08/12/2016 12:12:19 PM PDT by redleghunter
If you don’t have a better plan for how you are going to die, someone will probably just turn on the television.
As a minister of the word of God, I have always thought that part of my calling is to help people die well. That would include Paul’s aim that Christ be magnified in his body by death (Philippians 1:20). I thought of every Sunday’s sermon as part of this preparation for death. And I hoped every visit to the bedside of the dying would be faith-strengthening, hope-giving, Bible-saturated, gospel-centered, and Christ-exalting.
Which is why I groaned at the hospital to find the television glittering in the darkness of the approach of death. This felt utterly incongruous. Bizarre.
One of the most godly women I have ever known was dying. She was full of the Spirit and prayer. On one of my visits to the hospital in her last days, she pleaded with me to pray for her quick death, and shared with me the nightmares she was having of “half-naked women dancing around my bed.” I wondered if there was a connection with the television that the staff turned on.
But surely we can all agree, there is a better way to prepare our souls to “face our Judge and Maker unafraid.” Part of the plan for dying well is to have friends who share your vision of how to live and die for the glory of Christ. Most of us, in the last days and hours of our death, will be mentally and physically too week to set the agenda. Better set it now.
Old or young, directly or indirectly, let it be known that you want — and need — a Bible-saturated, gospel-centered death. I’m thinking of the kind of death that John Knox chose.
(Excerpt) Read more at desiringgod.org ...
A pertinent but poignant message. I rarely watch TV. I certainly would not want it on in my final moments.
Too much passive media watching can lead to learned helplessness.
I should hope to view my upcoming demise, however soon or delayed it may be, as Jesus simply stepping into my life and saying “Excuse Me” and taking me back with Him.
We don’t have to give in to illusions of helplessness either. I’d hope I’d have the gospel gumption to tell those half naked figures all about the Lord. If they are unfriendly they will leave; if they are friendly they will gain.
Cut the cable on the TV 6 years ago.
Currently trying to figure out how not to die in a hospital.
to read later
Don’t let them talk you into a nursing home.
ride a Ducati, real fast.
Excellent response with the usual appropriate humor. Thanks.
Your first goal was met. Keep praying for the second one to be answered. I tried my hardest to not have my parents pass on in a hospital. Circumstances sometimes we can't manage. My dear aunt knew her time was limited by terminal cancer. She went home surrounded by family. Got a call I better get my behind to see her because I had some Gospel of John reading to do for her. It was very comforting for her and the family, not to mention me, who hours before she passed I read John 14 to her as sighed in relief to the beautiful words forgetting the horrible pain she was in for the moment.
So piles of dead enemies at my feet isn’t very Christian right? Can I go to Valhalla instead?
Knew a Christian couple who needed round the clock skilled nursing care. They opted to go to a Christian based nursing home. They loved it and told the congregation that it was like being in church 7 days a week. So there are some good options out there if the medical needs deem so. Being at home is the best option of course if you have family and church nearby who will be active in your lives.
I am a Christian. My only problem with Christianity is you have to think about death ALL THE TIME.
The best deaths are always preceded with the three words “Hold my beer.”
Wow,,,
Take Me Now!
The movie,
Cold Mountain
may help.
Remember: You're only going to get one shot at this.
And ended with the words “hey y’all, watch this!”
What other religion has as its main symbol a brutal execution device?
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Many people look at that verse and think it applies to work, success, any number of earthly pursuits.
I think about it as the Christian life, to include dying well.
My nightmare is having the brain die from dementia years before my body figures out I’m gone..
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