Preparing for a Blessed Death: Embracing Spiritual Readiness and Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Plan Now to Die Well

If you haven’t thought about how you want to die, chances are you’ll just end up mindlessly watching television as the end approaches. But as a minister of God, I believe it’s my duty to help people die well. This means ensuring that Christ is magnified in their bodies through death (Philippians 1:20). I see every sermon I preach and every visit I make to the bedside of the dying as part of this preparation for death. My goal is to strengthen their faith, give them hope, saturate their minds with the Word of God, center their lives on the gospel, and exalt Christ in everything.

So, you can imagine my dismay when I walked into a hospital room and found the television blaring in the darkness of impending death. It seemed utterly incongruous, even bizarre. Here was one of the most godly women I had ever known, nearing the end of her journey. She was full of the Holy Spirit and had a deep prayer life. Yet, in her final days, she pleaded with me to pray for a quick death and shared her nightmares of half-naked women dancing in her room. The presence of the television seemed to contradict everything she stood for.

Preparing for Death

Preparing for death is not a topic that is often discussed in our culture. We prefer to avoid thinking about our mortality and instead focus on the pursuit of pleasure and success. But the reality is that death is inevitable for all of us. It is not a matter of if, but when. And if we fail to plan for our death, we may find ourselves unprepared and filled with fear and regret.

As Christians, we are called to live differently. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that this life is just a temporary dwelling. Our ultimate goal is to be with Christ for all eternity. Therefore, it is essential that we plan now to die well.

1. Embrace the Reality of Death

One of the first steps in preparing for death is to embrace the reality of it. We must acknowledge that death is a natural part of life and that our time on earth is limited. The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 9:27 that "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." Death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be accepted and embraced.

By embracing the reality of death, we are able to live each day with a sense of urgency and purpose. We are reminded of the brevity of life and the need to make the most of every opportunity. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

2. Seek God's Guidance

When it comes to planning for our death, it is crucial that we seek God's guidance. After all, He is the creator of life and death, and He knows what is best for us. In Proverbs 16:9, we are reminded that "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

By seeking God's guidance, we can make wise decisions about how we want to die. We can pray and ask God to give us clarity and wisdom in our planning process. We can also seek guidance from trusted spiritual leaders and friends who can provide biblical counsel and support.

3. Prepare Spiritually

Preparing for death is not just about making practical arrangements, such as writing a will or planning a funeral. It is also about preparing spiritually. As Christians, our ultimate goal is to be with Christ in heaven. Therefore, it is important that we spend our time on earth growing in our relationship with Him.

This means regularly reading and studying the Bible, praying, attending church, and participating in the sacraments. It means cultivating a heart of gratitude and forgiveness, and seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God. It means investing in relationships and sharing the love of Christ with others.

The Benefits of Planning to Die Well

Planning to die well may seem like a morbid and uncomfortable topic, but the truth is that it has many benefits. Here are just a few:

1. Peace of Mind

By planning ahead, we can have peace of mind knowing that our affairs are in order. We can make decisions about our medical care, finances, and end-of-life wishes, relieving our loved ones of the burden of making these decisions on our behalf.

2. Comfort for Loved Ones

When we plan well for our death, we also provide comfort for our loved ones. They can have confidence knowing that we have made our desires known and that our final wishes will be honored. This can bring great comfort and peace during a difficult time.

3. Leaving a Legacy

Planning for death also allows us to leave a lasting legacy. We can make decisions about how we want to be remembered and what we want to pass on to future generations. This can include writing a memoir, creating a family history, or setting up a charitable foundation.

4. Spiritual Preparation

Perhaps the greatest benefit of planning to die well is the spiritual preparation it provides. By intentionally focusing on our relationship with God and seeking to live a life that is pleasing to Him, we are better prepared to meet Him face to face. We can have confidence knowing that we have lived a life that honors Him and that we will be welcomed into His presence with joy.

Conclusion

Planning to die well is not a topic that is often discussed, but it is something that every Christian should consider. By embracing the reality of death, seeking God's guidance, and preparing spiritually, we can ensure that our death is not a time of fear and regret, but rather a time of peace and hope. So, let us not wait until it is too late. Let us plan now to die well, so that Christ may be magnified in our bodies through death.