Calling out Inaccurate “Theological” Expressions 2
Good Morning Saints! And Happy Sunday to you all!
Last week, I started a series of calling out what I term inaccurate "theological" expressions with the legendary "Some are in the hospital this very moment" line. Thank you for your feedback and comments. This week I’m writing on a very close line that usually gets hums of agreement after it’s uttered. By the way, feel free to suggest expressions to be examined.
"We thank you that we are in the Sanctuary and not the mortuary". Really? Alright let's go.
What we are essentially saying is, “We thank you that we are alive but not dead”. Because what is in the mortuary is just a body without soul. Who told us it is better to be alive than dead?
Now there are indeed those who have passed who we should pity. That is those who didn't die in Christ. And we should use our lives to be involved directly or indirectly in missions so that we depopulate hades and populate heaven.
But let's talk about those who die in Christ. They are far better off then we are. We are the ones to be pitied. In fact, I believe if they could view us, they'd stare at us in loving affection and whisper "keep on, finish your race and enter your rest". The problem is we have an inaccurate view of death and we hate it.
Death on this side is what we should even aspire to. Our aspiration should be to finish our race as soon as possible and enter into eternal rest and pleasures.
But somehow the pleasures of this world have soaked in so we want to stay on this side.
Our mindset should always be like the Apostle Paul who famously said and oh I love this verse, "To live is Christ and to die is gain". Paul is saying, "Father take me home. I just want to be with you and rest. But you know the times and since you deem it not time, I'll live for you and do your work till I drop". I've related with this verse a lot and many who have dealt with physical pain and illness would relate too.
The point of our lives is to serve our purpose and enter into the more everlasting part of it.
Death is passing from this trouble ridden phase and into the other one where we live forever with no stress. That is the graduation we should aspire to. Every pleasure we seek in this life; wealth, the love of our families and friends, ambitions, etc are absolutely incomparable to what is ahead and beyond this life. This is why Paul had the audacity to call our troubles and sickness in this world temporary and not worth comparing with the glory to come. How insensitive Paul!
Recently, I saw a documentary "After Death" by Angel Studios (you should see It). They interviewed top scientists and doctors and people who had experienced what is termed "Near Death Experiences". That is people who were declared dead medically and somehow woke up. A common thing they shared for those who died in Christ was how they didn't want to return. They tasted heaven and were sent back. That's the glory we're aspiring to.
In conclusion folks, I have advise you don't want to hear but here goes.
Prepare to die. And acknowledge that everyone you hold close are one breath away from death.
And how do you prepare to die, by living every moment for God’s glory. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t want permanent rest. If you’re like me, you’ve wished you could take a two day sabbatical from this world and return. Aspire to run your race and finish it so you rest. Inspire those around you to do so. Your heart cry should be to be a true soldier and die at your post. The love and fellowship we crave will be best enjoyed on the other more permanent side.
Now this is not to say that death isn’t painful. Death might have lost the venom in its sting but e still dey pain. But we are far better off when we know the truth deep down than not. When know and affirm the truth deep down, we can speak to ourselves in the grief and emotions and find true healing afterward.
Selah.
Note. If you can think of other expressions you want me to write about, please share.
Because I want to give ya'll extra. Enjoy this song "Not my Home" by Maryanne George
https://youtu.be/VYVfcTwsPLY?si=VFajjYyoBj1PiJ1g
