The previous
generation is all gone – no parents or aunts or uncles are still alive. I’m
part of the oldest living segment of society – a rather sobering thought. In
addition to losing family members in both my generation and the prior
generation, also a son and a step-son, I’ve lost 20 friends over the years.
Some I knew were sick and dying, but others were a complete surprise. Those are
the saddest losses.
It doesn’t
seem to me that I’m all that old; I’m not even 80 yet. I had an aunt that lived
to be 96 or 97, and my Mother’s dad died at 86. So there must be a few
long-term genes in the family. Interestingly, my Grandfather was on dialysis
when he passed, which looks to be my own future.
Of course
the number of years here on earth is miniscule compared to the eternal, endless
life after death. God has given us a lifetime, no matter how long or short, to
prepare for the afterlife. He has offered an invitation to everyone to receive
His free gift of Eternal Life. Romans 6:23 says, “The gift of God is eternal
life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
This is a
gift, it can’t be bought or earned or bartered or stolen or inherited – it can
only be accepted by each one of us – separately and individually. If someone
hasn’t received the invitation yet, they can search for it and seek it and hunt
for it – until it is found.
Where to
look? The first place to look is in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Then find a
church that preaches and teaches the Bible. Then read Christian writers who
help with understanding the Bible. Then listen to Christian music that praises
and worships our Savior. Then meet with other believers for encouragement and
fellowship.
Once you
have received this wonderful, eternal Gift, tell others about it. Tell other
family members, tell your children, and tell your friends before you lose them.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON
