Something happened recently that rocked our world. My husband received a call from a former student at the preaching school which my husband directed for over six years. He informed him that one of his classmates, Nick, had died suddenly that night of a massive heart attack. My husband talked with Nick frequently, especially sharing sermon ideas. In fact, they had just spoken the day before. Nick was in his forties and he and his wife still had children at home.
I began to ponder some very heavy thoughts. If today was my last day, what would I want to accomplish? I quickly came up with these things:
If today was my last day, I would say, “I love you,” more, especially to to family, but not restricted to family. For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another (1 John 3:11).
If today was my last day, I would praise God and thank Him for my wonderful husband, our children, my special extended family, our caring shepherds. our encouraging deacons and church family. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).
If today was my last day, I would tell all of them how important they have been in my life. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).
If today was my last day, I would use every moment wisely. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15).
If today was my last day, I would count my blessings, even the hardships I have experienced, because they led to growth, strength, and patience. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2).
If today was my last day, I would forgive those who have trespassed against me, if I had not already done so. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:15).
If today was my last day, I would ask others to forgive me. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24).
If today was my last day, I would pray and sing praises. Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:15-16). Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him (Psalm 68:4).
If today was my last day, I would take advantage of opportunities to encourage and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matt. 20:25-28).
If today was my last day, I would finish what I started. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!”So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.(Matt. 14:28). Paul said, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
Finally, if today was my last day, I would ask God to grant me mercy and grace abundantly, not because I deserve it, but because I need it. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15-17).
Our dear friend Nick was an exceptional guy, a Christian man to be admired for sure. We will miss him, but I thank God that his untimely death brought to mind some very important considerations about my own life.
One question yet remains. If today was your last day, what would you do?
Today’s Verse: Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming (Matthew 25:13).
By Teresa Hampton
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