It Beats the Alternative

This morning I am in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Later I will drive over to Morgantown and preach the funeral for my Uncle, James O. Gabbard.  He died last Thursday at 91. He lived a full and exciting life.  He was a Christian. But finally my Uncle Oval met his appointment with death.

Death.  It is a sobering word.  A cold word.  A frightening word.  We don’t even like to say it.  We prefer euphemisms.  We say, “She passed away.’  “He expired.” “She’s gone.”  In a lighter vein we speak of someone “pushing up daisies’, or “kicking the bucket,” Or being “six feet under.”

Our joking, however, has a tinge of nervousness attached to it.  We don’t like death.  We don’t like to think about death.  And we don’t want to lose our loved ones to death.  From a human viewpoint death seems incomprehensible.  Yet, it’s a reality we all face.

A fellow by the name of Ed Strand has written a book on this issue entitled “Getting Old (Stinks): But It Sure Beats the Alternative.”  It is a humorous attempt to show that no matter how painful life becomes, at least we are still alive. And if you believe the line “you only go around once” then maybe this is true.

However, God has intended for us to continue to glorify Him even in our golden years.  The wise man wrote “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Prov,16:31)  And the Psalmist said, “They shall still bear fruit in old age.” So while the jokes about old age may provide some humor, God intends  for us to age with grace, dignity and  godliness. Aging is not intended to be a curse, but a blessing and prelude to an exciting new home and new body.

So, really what’s the alternative to old age for the child of God?  Jesus said in John 14:3, “I go to prepare a place for you.”  He called it “His Father’s house of many mansions.”  Of course this is an analogy, just like the many metaphors used in Revelation to describe the glory and grandeur of heaven.

When a Christian dies he receives “the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).  Doesn’t this beat the alternative?

When a Christian dies he goes to a place where there will be no tears, no sorrow and no pain (Rev. 21:4).  Doesn’t this beat the alternative?

When a Christian dies he goes to dwell in the presence of God (Rev. 21:22-26).  Doesn’t this beat the alternative?

When a Christian dies he goes to a city where there will be no sin, wickedness, or vulgarity (Rev. 21:27).  Doesn’t that beat the alternative?

Our challenge is that “the world is too much with us.”  It is too much in us.  Too much a part of us. If our prized treasures are cars, homes, boats and earthly pleasures, then the alternative to living doesn’t seem very exciting.  However, by faith we see a better land and a happier home, If we are “laying up treasures in heaven” while fulfilling our God-given purpose on earth, then when the time comes, the alternative to living will be a welcome superlative to all this world has to offer.

Right, Uncle O?