Final Words

Many times, the last words of great people contain very important messages. They are often a summary of that person’s life. For example,

• “I see earth receding; heaven is opening. God is calling me.” – D. L. Moody
• “The best of all is, God is with us.” – John Wesley
• “I shall be satisfied—satisfied—satisfied—when I awake in Thy likeness!” – Charles Wesley
• “I go with the gladness of a boy bounding away from school. I feel so strong in Christ.” – Adoniram Judson

There are some who maintain their sense of humor all the way to their dying moments. A story is told about a man named John Drew. As he was dying, his family gathered around his deathbed, and one of his daughters asked, “Is he dead?”

Another daughter replied, “Feel his feet. No one ever dies with warm feet.” Upon hearing this, Mr. Drew opened his eyes and quipped, “Joan of Arc did.” Then he died.

Some of the apostle Paul’s last words were, “Don’t ever give up.” There was no tinge of bitterness, no measure of regret, no anguish, and no remorse. Paul obviously had kept short accounts in his life, so when the time came for him to die, he was ready.

Paul writes, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

We can be prepared for the time when we meet Christ in heaven; it is only a heartbeat away. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, . . .”

Paul lived his life in readiness. He was accountable to others and lived in peace. Even when he was imprisoned, he did not harbor bitterness toward his captors. Paul was forgiving. Those who harmed him, he forgave.

Are you keeping a short account? What will your final words be?

Prayer: Lord, I pray that my final words will one day be a reflection of the joy and peace I have found in You. May the words I speak as I live out my life point people to the love of Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.