The Last Word…

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

If you knew it would be your last word, what would you say? Would it be a quip, a lecture, a command? Would your last word be a defense of your life? Or, would your life speak for itself?

Some of Paul’s last words were to someone he loved dearly; He said to them, “be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” He went on to say things like, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” And, “Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.” (2 Timothy 2:1-3, 8 NLT) Paul wanted them to work hard at whatever they set their mind to, and not get caught up in mundane stuff that would be distracting; he counseled them to ‘play by the rules’ and ‘not argue about foolish words,’ but, ‘be an honest and authentic friend.’ He said, ‘to be the kind of person God can use for honorable works, be extraordinary, and be willing to endure anything if it brings salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.’

And finally, he noted this trustworthy saying: “If we die with Him (Christ), we will also live with Him” (Gal 2:20). “If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him. If we deny him (Christ), He will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for God cannot deny who He is.” (2 Timothy 2:10-13 NLT)

I am confident I could not say any of that better than Paul did. He hit all the high points. If nothing else, I know I told you the truth about what will save your life… for all eternity.

Our daughter and grandchildren lived with us during a school year a while ago; I had the joy of walking Wyatt to the bus each day for first grade. The school’s motto was, ‘when the choice is between kind and right, always choose kind.’ Because what will save a life is right, but not always kind, I would tell Wyatt two things before he would get on the bus; ‘do the right thing’ and most importantly, ‘I love you’… just in case it was my last word.

Choose wisely…

Praying 4 U

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24