“This life is already full of tragedy, deception, evil, and hatred, so to endure hardship here and then torture in eternity, is a no-no for me!! I need to ensure that I and my loved ones spend eternity in heaven.”
Those were the words that concluded my conversation with a co-worker whom I regularly encounter during my morning tea break. After the usual pleasantries, our conversation somehow continued with him saying, “I am going to way too many funerals”. Sadly, it was only the day after a beautiful young couple lost their lives in a road accident in Tobago and plaintively, I had to agree. That news only intensified the dark cloud of gloom and loss that had been hovering over my close circle of friends for the previous weeks.
When the door on life closes, when dreams and desires have come to a halt, and when memories and experiences are the things that those on this side of the divide hold on to, it should always prompt the question ‘What Now’ or ‘What’s Next?’
The outpouring of love on social media platforms was very special, as people shared their stories and touching memories of the couple. Many of those sentiments understandably encouraged others to cherish the ones they have or to make the best of the time that we have on earth.
While I agree 100% that we must make the best of this life, I couldn't help but ponder as I usually do when faced with the reality of death, does “making the best of this earthly life” have any impact on whether eternity is bliss or will it just be a second more vicious round of torture.
Though coping with the grief of losing one of our mummies, and our two beautiful little angels, there was sadness but with HOPE (1 Thessalonians 4:13). There was hope because we are certain that their souls are with the Lord and we are absolutely sure that not only are they happy, whole and healthy but that we would also meet again in the grandest reunion ever!!!!
As my co-worker and I reflected on the brevity of life, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to mention to him that when Jesus died to defeat death and all the pain and sorrow of this world, His sacrifice was for all of humanity, past and present.
I shared that having the best time in this life, or having great success on earth as contemporary culture encourages, is not credited to the afterlife.
Since no one is too young to die, what happens when you do? What does the next life look like for you?
The psalmist prayed “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. (Psalm 90:12) Wisdom is what dictates whether we chose to ‘free up’ and live wantonly like the foolish virgins or live wisely and righteously in preparation for eternal life. (Matthew 25)
I was afraid of dying when I was in my early 20s because I wasn’t saved and I knew enough (or the Holy Spirit nudged me enough) to know that my eternal security was in jeopardy without the right belief and commitment.
It is the most liberating feeling in the world to not be afraid of death, whether one eventually lives a long full life into old age or meets an early untimely demise.
While we are alive is the time to think about what will happen when we die. Do not be fooled into thinking that eternity is a fallacy or that mortal death is the final act, because it is not.
The deception and distractions of the earth are temporary when compared to time that never ends. Forever has no expiry and now more than ever, there is an urgency to tell everyone to consider the next life because the young are dying just as quickly as the old.
Ensuring your eternal security is simple, believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, who came into this world to be the sacrifice for and paid the penalty of death for sin that you and I deserved so that in Him, we are holy and righteous to be with God for eternity.
Live the best life that you can while you’re here but never ignore the question, ‘What’s Next’.
When you have become secure by your faith, then ask the same question of your family, friends, and co-workers. Tell them that there is life after death and that your desire is for all of us to meet in that grand reunion in heaven.
Believe in Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!
Love Ya!
Krystal Baynes-Hoseinee
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