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Ready To Live




 I've given up becoming a "better" Christian-- as if I ever knew what that meant anyway. However, as I've slipped past 40 years of living, I think I've become a more "honest" Christian, one with less pat anwers and easy solutions.

For example, let me discuss my thoughts on death now as opposed to ten or twenty years ago. Then, had someone questioned my thoughts on death, I would've stood pat and announced my readiness to die, to meet Jesus face to face, and to enter my heavenly reward knowing I had been a pretty good Christian since age twelve. After all, any good Christian should look forward to these things, right? Now, at almost 42, knowing I've outlived my Dad and his Dad who both left this Earth before their 41st birthdays, I'm not ready to die--not one bit.

I don't know if my attitude is right or not, but this is how I feel. Number one, I have selfish desires--not for any material things--I could care less about having more than I do now. No, my desires are: to be a Grampa, to go to Israel, to write a Broadway musical--two of three would suffice. I have unselfish desires: to grow o my wife, to do mission work together, to make life better for the least of mankind--all are possible.

If I died now, I would feel like I've taken so much and given so little. I've been born into the richest society on Earth, enjoyed many good pleasures here, and haven't learned yet how to give back in good measure. For that reason, I am afraid to die and find no comfort in the thought. In fact, I am uncomfortable with both my life and my death.

What is my only comfort in life and in death?

"That I belong--body and soul, in life and in death--not to myself but to my faithful saviour, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil, that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in Heaven, not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him ."

These words, taken from the Heidelberg Catechism of 1562 were the first words I read (from the cover of the April issue of Christian Century ) just minutes after a personal discussion of death I had with the Lord this summer. Every word hit home. Every word helped me take my next step forward--not in comfort mind you--but with a greater sense of purpose and appreciation for every day God gives me.

Ready to die? Not yet. Ready to live? I think so.



About the Author:


 Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.