We are all going to die.

I really don’t want my life to be a waste. Let me re-phrase that: I am terrified to waste my life away. I was listening to Misty Edward’s speak at the Fascinate Conference via live stream and she really got me thinking. She really stressed the simple yet startling fact that we are all going to die. It’s actually a terrifying thought to think about. Often times we forget that death is inevitable and not too far off in the horizon. It is a chilling thought to think that one day, the day we die, we will be face to face with the awesome, fearsome, powerful, fiery, fierce, justice-seeking, sin-hating creator of the enormous universe we live in. We will stand before him, or probably be face down before him, beholding all of his beauty, and only in that moment will we realize just how much glory we were passing up for the wasteful sins we committed. Oh, how much regret I feel will immediately grip me for even the smallest of sins I participated in. There have been several times in life where I thought to myself “Why am I a Christian? Why do I do what I do? I mean, the bible is boring, praying seems to be getting me nowhere, I’m tired of waking up early for church on my weekend off, Christian radio stations play the same lame, cheesy songs way more times than I’d ever want to hear them… Why am I doing this to myself?” I look at worldly things and think to myself “Now that looks way more fun, way more interesting, way more thrilling, look at how much fun they are having, why don’t I do that?” How foolish I am… First of all, God, the bible, the church; it’s the greatest adventure one could ever go on. How do I not find the amazing stories in the bible interesting? God created the world out of nothing, healed the blind, made the lame walk, calmed terrible storms, and walked on water. Now how in the world can I find that not interesting??? And how can talking to the creator of the universe not get me anywhere? If you were good friends with a movie star, they would most likely lend you money, get you into movie premiers, etc. because they have power and authority, and think of how much more power and authority the God of the universe has? He only wants the best for you. And why would I rather sleep than spend time in God’s presence? His awesome, beautiful, grace-filled presence that I don’t even deserve. And Why would I not want to carry on the amazing worship that has been passed down through generations and will continue on for eternity? I should be grateful that such an awesome God would want to spare his time to be with me. I cannot comprehend why I find the things of this world so enticing. The people of the world are WASTING their lives; wasting it away on alcohol, on drugs, on gluttony, on selfishness, on money… When one enters into God’s presence after they die all the time they spent drinking, all the time they spent playing video games, all the time they spent earning money, will be completely wiped away, unimportant, wasted; completely wasted… How agonizingly embarrassing would it be to be in front of this amazing God and have your whole life burnt away and realizing you have nothing to give him… Please don’t let that be me God. Please show me just how awesome you are, and forgive me for the times I doubt your splendor or take it for granted. I beg you to guide me onto the right path so that when I meet you one day I can have the pleasure of seeing you with arms wide open, grinning proudly, with a glow in your eyes and the soothing yet powerful words of your mouth saying “Well done, good and faithful servant…” Amen.