“and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3: 2) – Advancements in medical technology have extended our lives. Beauty products have enhanced our looks. Wonder drugs have invigorated our bodies. Nevertheless, the fact remains: It is appointed unto man once to die. (Hebrews 9: 27)

Our society is so youth and life oriented that we are absolutely silent on and tone deaf about death. We see it. We are shocked by it. We are forced to face it, but we seldom talk about it. However, just as sure as there is a time to be born, there is a time to die. Once we accept this:

We will understand the death of others. If there is a time to die, when loved ones pass, even though we may grieve and mourn them, deep down we understand that death is a part of life. At some point in time, each of us must pass this way.

We will not bear undue burden at the death of others. Machines have now put life and death decisions in the hands of humans. The decision to pull the plug or place a loved one in hospice can haunt a person for a lifetime. Yet, when we acknowledge that there is a time to die, such acts are not seen as taking a life, but as releasing a life into the hands of the same God who gave it in the first place.

We will prepare to die. This does not mean that we allow a sense of morbidity to take the joy out of our life. Rather, it means that we will take steps during our life to prepare to leave a legacy for our family and society, as well as, accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. This way, we can face God in peace and enjoy eternal life.

We will realize the precious nature of life because of death. Since we know that there will be a time to die, we are motivated to live life to the fullest until that time comes. The certain coming of death is not an anvil hovering over our heads ready to drop. It is a constant reminder to pack every moment of life with life while we can.