Today I had the unfortunate task of burying one of my nephews. He was the first born of my only sister. At age 24 he was brutally murdered. This was admittedly the most difficult funeral service I had to minister at, in more than 20 years of ministry.
I think the heaviest part of the whole ordeal was the knowledge that he would most likely be on his way to a Christ-less eternity. I shared the Gospel with him several times and encouraged him to accept Christ in his life. The most recent was just about a week before his demise. However, his concept of religion, spirituality and salvation hindered him from God’s truth.
For many, Frank Senatra’s “I did it My Way” is an unconscious anthem that directs their life and beliefs. The Bible, however, warns us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12).
While we have been afforded the freedom of choice, the choices we make in life have eternal consequences. Life and death is set before us. We are therefore encouraged to choose life. Jesus told His disciples that, “I am the way the truth and the life no man can get to the Father except by me”(John 14:6).
I think it is extremely important for us to recognise our need for the Lord and understand that our eternal hope rest only in Christ Jesus.