I have never heard, and I never expect to hear, of one whom, when about to die: * Expresses that they became a Christian while they lay dying on their deathbed. Hundreds of people that I have visited with in this situation have shared that it was the greatest decision they ever made in their life and that it was life changing and meaningful!
* Of all these people, how many of them regretted that they tried earnestly to live as a Christian? Not a single one! The majority of them expressed their failure in living a Christ-honoring life, but none regreted trying to live the most challenging lifestyle known to mankind. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Many of those lying on their deathbeds expressed joy, for God took their feeble attempts of living for Jesus and blessed their efforts with glorious fruit!
* Guess how many people regretted that they gave so much time to prayer and study of the Bible? Talking to their Heaven Father in prayer and allowing Him to speak to them through His Holy Word? This brought comfort, peace, and victory, especially as they came to the final stage of their life cycle.
* How many do you think expressed their regret that they gave a generous portion of their money to do the Lord’s work? If you’re holding up one finger, then that is one too many. Hundreds of people facing the reality of seeing God face-to-face wished that they had given more to the cause of Christ, not less!
* Have you ever wondered if a dying loved one ever regretted that they tried to reach others around them who did not know the Lord? Even their most embarrassing and awkward attempts to express their love and commitment to Christ Jesus were better than never saying a word to those who didn’t know Him. Many shared their feelings with fear and trembling, and oh, so weakly, that God used them for His glory and touched many hardhearted lives with the compassion of the Lord Jesus for salvation.
* Go ahead and surmise how many of these precious people regretted that they assembled conscientiously, consistently, and regularly with brothers and sisters in Christ for worship, exhortation, and edification? If you said “none,” you are absolutely right! Many of these loved ones expressed regret when they missed worship and fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of the happiest moments in their lives were praising God with His people on His day.
But I have heard from many and expect to hear more of the following when they are about to die: * Regret they had not become a child of the King. With tears in their eyes and sadness in their heart, they are sorry for not accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. All their excuses seem so petty on their deathbed. Fewer than you can ever imagine will even turn their eyes and hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ while in the grasp of the grim reaper of death. Just astonishing! They know what they ought to do, but pride, self-righteousness, and stubbornness kept them from crossing the line of unbelief to a vibrant faith in their last days.
* Regret they had not tried earnestly to live as a Christian. They had friends and family members who lived for the Lord Jesus, and they saw firsthand the benefits of joy, peace, comfort, and strength that came from living for the Lord. Many who could have been my family and I have whispered in my ear, 'If only I would have…' * Regret that they had not given much time to prayer and study of the Bible. They often wondered about the messages of the Bible and significance of prayer, but were too busy or never took the time to seek out the answers to their thoughts and questions about these subjects of interest. They just never took the time for such things! Yet they knew He was there for them at the end of their life if they wanted Him.
* Regret they had not given a generous portion of their money to do the Lord’s work. They had good intentions, but at the time they felt like they needed it more. Besides, how did God help them work or gain anything anyway? What’s mine is mine and what’s your is yours until I can figure out a way to get it. We live in such a dog-eat-dog world it’s hard to see God blessing us with the health, intelligence, and opportunities that came our way. They believe they got what they got by their own strength and wit, somehow God had nothing to do with it. * Regret they had not tried to reach others around them who were lost in sin. Selfishness never has room for others! How can you share something you don’t have? How can you share hope whenyoudon’thaveany? How can you reach out to others when you haven’t reached to Jesus? Isn’t that what we call a hypocrite? We surely don’t want to be that, do we? But so many have expressed a last-minute concern about not reaching out to others.
* Regret they had not assembled conscientiously, consistently, and regularly with others for worship, exhortation, and edification. They openly and sadly, with tears in their eyes, expressed the desire to go to church and learn about God, but never had the time. We always have time for what is important to us! What’s important to you? Let’s make time for what is valuable and essential to us as we approach the end of our life.
How about you? When you are facing death, as each of us will one day, will you have any regrets? Do not wait until it is too late to set your priorities straight. What is important is what you can leave for posterity: a good name, an example of character, a Christian reputation, a positive influence, a heart/treasure example, a fruit-filled life, seeds of faith planted in other people’s lives, and a dedicated life of love for God and others! Anything else you may leave is of much less value. Stocks prices and profits rise and fall, but the steps followed in Christ last an eternity! Agree, or disagree! We would love to hear from you! Please call (918.352.3080) or write (306 North Main Street, Suite E, Bristow, Ok. 74010 or e-mail john.catrett3@gmail.com) if you have any questions or comments.
John T. Catrett, III Scissortail Hospice Chaplain 306 North Main Street, Suite E Bristow, Ok. 74010 (918) 352-3080