In our article last week we notice in view of the reality of death there are some things that should be important to us and to which we ought to give time and attention. Last week we no­tice that first of all our relationship with God ought to be of greatest importance.

Next we would suggest in view of the reality of death our family relationships should be of great importance. We live in a fragmented world. Because of this fragmentation the close relation of family members is often lost. Because of this frequently others outside the family are often those to whom we have the closest ties. Families lose touch with each other because of distance and individual interests. God has made the family the most important human circle on earth. Broken homes because of divorce and desertion have greatly contributed to the loss of close family ties.       

Fusses and fights over very trivial things have caused long standing ill will and separation in families. These minor (even major ones) need to be worked out and close relationships re­stored. I have seen families so fragmented by jealousies and bickering that even the funerals of close family members are marred by fights instead of support and comfort from each other. Life is too short and family is too precious for this type of family feelings. I have known chil­dren that have never heard one or both parents tell them that they love them or show emotion toward them. It is not uncommon for children in early teen years to run away from home be­cause of conditions in the home. I have talked with parents that did not know by choice where their children and grandchildren lived. The family is the center unit of any society and when the family structure breaks down society breaks down” accordingly. Just consider the state of our society today. Fewer families are getting together in family reunions with each passing generation. Yes, in view of death we should consider and appreciate the importance of the home “and it relationships.       

Thirdly, in face of the reality of death friendships should be of importance to us. Friends stand next in importance to God and family in having a happy fulfilling and rewarding life here on earth. The writer of Proverbs speaks of a friend that “loveth at all times” (17:17) and one that “sticketh closer than a brother” (18:24).                 

Consider these other things the scriptures have to say about friends. Friends salute you (3 John 14). They rejoice with you in good times (Luke 15:6). They can refresh you in time of concern (Acts 27:3). They share the gospel with their friends (Acts 10:24). They rejoice the heart by hearty counsel and they are not to be forsaken (Prov. 27:9-10). How poor indeed is one who does not have true friends with which the share the joys and sorrows of life.       

We can add to the list of important things in view of death, the church and Christian fellowship. This would have close ties to the point last week of our relationship with God. This is from a spiritual standpoint where our closest and dearest relationships are to be found. In over forty years of preaching the gospel I have seen the church to provide even more comfort and ease of mind than that found in the physical family. The joy it provides in a strange land to hear and see a brother or sister in Christ welcome you in to their mist. Nothing else provides comfort in time of death that being in Christ and His body, the church does (1Tim. 4:13-18). Nothing else provides the joy of having a part in the conversion of a sinner, to be born into the family of God. Yes, there are many things that death should surely make us appreciate.       

Now for the close of the article let us consider in light of death some things that are not important. Where we live is not important. The size of our bank account is not important. How high in society we climbed is not important. Who we knew is not necessarily important. The brand of clothes or the model of automobile we drove is not important. It is not what we leave behind physically in this world that is important. Why? And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Heb. 9:27). But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1Tim. 6:6-8).

©Gary Barnes