Prepared for Death


“We are not really prepared for life until we are prepared for death. In California, at least, people are not really allowed to die. They just ‘pass away.’ Unlike the crosses in the churchyard that were once visible through the glass windows as people heard God’s Word and invoked His name for rescue, the sentimental and anonymous cemetaries (with euphemistic names like Forest Lawn) hide death from view. We do not like to talk about it and we are uncomfortable hanging out with relatives and friends on their deathbed. Focusing on ameliorating temporal stress, insecurity, problems in marriages and families, and general ‘well-being,’ the church often misses the opportunity to raise people’s eyes to heaven, where earthly things fall into their proper perspective."


- Michael Horton from The Gospel-Driven Life