A few weeks ago, Jenny a coworker, passed away from a long struggle with cancer. It made me realize that we should be grateful for our lives. Even if non-Christians do well and consider their advances as the fruits of their labor and their talents (and it is true that our labor and talent will affect how well we advance in our careers), we should look to gratitude to God as the giver.
Steve Jobs died last week. It is amazing to think that despite all his billions and having the best medical care in the world, no one could extend his life by a single minute. Steve Jobs was a Zen Buddhist and unfortunately, lived a very selfish life - according to what we read about him by those who knew him. The words of Jesus come to mind. Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?"
Another coworker was telling me that he lost his parents, and a friend, within the space of an year. I asked him a leading question, "What happens to us after we die?". And he answered with a straight face, "It depends on what you believe". I was dumbstruck. If I were to jump off a building, my beliefs would have no effect on what would happen to me.
But there is truth to what he said - we all take the after-life on faith. Even Christians are unsure whether we go straight to heaven, or stay in the ground until Christ returns. I have no clue.
and contrast with...
As in the song below, "...your name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are saved"
Steve Jobs died last week. It is amazing to think that despite all his billions and having the best medical care in the world, no one could extend his life by a single minute. Steve Jobs was a Zen Buddhist and unfortunately, lived a very selfish life - according to what we read about him by those who knew him. The words of Jesus come to mind. Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?"
Another coworker was telling me that he lost his parents, and a friend, within the space of an year. I asked him a leading question, "What happens to us after we die?". And he answered with a straight face, "It depends on what you believe". I was dumbstruck. If I were to jump off a building, my beliefs would have no effect on what would happen to me.
But there is truth to what he said - we all take the after-life on faith. Even Christians are unsure whether we go straight to heaven, or stay in the ground until Christ returns. I have no clue.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
and contrast with...
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8)Regardless, we put our trust in him.
As in the song below, "...your name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are saved"
