Do we fear death?

Far from our minds in Western culture is the reality that we are mortal. It is of course human nature to avoid our mortality, and most of what we do as humans individually and as a society is to prolong its inevitable reality. We never really think about it until we experience a national tragedy or a loved one's death. Even as I write about it I feel some discomfort knowing some will consider it morbid or disrespectful as a topic of discussion. There is, however, nothing wrong with considering an inevitable truth of life. I certainly place the highest value on life as I ask this question. Do we fear death?

Many people write off the existence of God altogether based on one thing - the fact that children die. The death of a child proving that God does not exist is like the end of pepperoni production proving that pizza does not exist. Perhaps the difference in perspective concerning death between us and God is revealing. The most significant recorded acts of God concerning humans involved physical death as an act of His mercy. The physical death sentence handed to humans via Adam and Eve was to deliver them from the same "one strike" judgement experienced by the angelic realm. This was the beginning of the age of grace. The Great Flood preserved the human genome. The single greatest act of love towards humanity was the DEATH of Christ.

Human life spans were shortened (Gen 6:3) for many reasons among which were to deliver people groups from the lengthy rule of wicked leaders and to bring individuals to a relatively quick decision about their standing with God. This in effect minimizes judgement for evil. A man could have 700 years of evil to be judged or 70. Which is better? In the eyes of a merciful God, the shorter life of 70 years. Why would it be any different today?

God knows what is best for you concerning death. God is in control of your life so why live in fear? TO FEAR YOUR DEATH IS TO NOT VALUE YOUR LIFE. If Christ had valued His life over obedience to the Father, where would we be? What if Nate Saint had "valued" his life and ignored the calling of God to the Huaorani people of Ecuador? There is a big difference between "self preservation" and "living" life. Do what you know God put in your heart; LIVE your dreams.

Perhaps 2 Peter 1:3-8 is a good way to close. "His divine power has given us everything we need for LIFE and Godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Christ." Now THAT is living.