Often, we consider death as the ultimate setback in life, the greatest fear to confront. But as Christians, there are matters that can potentially be more worrisome than the end of our mortal journey. These are the traps we must evade to truly honor the gift of life that God has bestowed upon us.
Firstly, consider the peril of ‘A Wasted Life’. A life that is lived without purpose or contribution may be viewed as even more tragic than death. Our younger years are often squandered on fleeting pleasures and the pursuit of material wealth, forsaking the eternal life promised by the Lord. We should remember the wisdom in the sentiment that it’s better to have lived meaningfully and lost than never to have genuinely lived at all. We should never forget that as long as we draw breath, God has a purpose for us. Ultimately, we will have to account for the life we’ve lived with the blessings He has bestowed upon us.
Secondly, the ‘Denial of Christ’ can be a grave misstep. As Jesus forewarned, many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). When His time comes, many will claim to have acted in His name. However, He will know those who truly knew Him and those who lived a life of disobedience. Denial can take the form of silence, neglecting to spread the word of God, as commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The shame of denying Christ in life will be reflected when the Son of Man denies them in His glory (Luke 9:26). This spiritual death surpasses the physical death in its ramifications.
Thirdly, pursuing the ‘Wrong Purpose in Life’ can lead one astray. We can all succumb to the enticements of the material world. Our hearts may harbor a ‘Judas’ who seeks financial security at great cost. This focus on monetary gains can blind us to God’s real purpose for our existence. As the apostle Paul cautioned, the love of money is the root of many evils, leading some to wander from their faith (1 Timothy 6:10).
Lastly, ‘Unredeemed Time’ can be a subtle yet formidable pitfall. Time is a precious gift, but it expires relentlessly, much like an unused coupon. God urges us to redeem the time, for our days are fleeting (Ephesians 5:16). James reminds us of our transitory existence (James 4:14). Upon Christ’s return, some may shrink in shame, regretting the wasted opportunities and the unlived life.
In conclusion, life is a one-time journey with no second chances or fallback plans. The Apostle Paul advises us to work and serve wholeheartedly, as if for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:3, Ephesians 6:7). Living without truly experiencing the richness of life is akin to a life not lived at all. Thus, these four pitfalls represent challenges that, in a spiritual sense, may indeed be considered worse than death.
