How To Prepare For Death Part 1

   That very word causes great fear and even paralysis in most people. While most of us are aware that at some point we, or those close to us may die, many of us don’t know how to deal with it when it comes. Why do people die anyhow? And is there any way to truly escape the inevitable? If there is not, is there anything we can do to ensure that it does not cause the grief, sorrow, and deep pain that people experience at the passing of a loved one?

   I had to deal with the passing of the love of my life just recently, and I have had to counsel people throughout the years as a pastor who had to deal with death in their families. Death does not discriminate. Old people die, but so does the young, and babies. Some are born dead. My wife had a miscarriage before. Let us just settle the matter. Death will at some point come to each of our families. And since there is no stopping that eventuality, we must not just prepare to live and enjoy life, but also prepare that, should death come our way, we are able and ready to handle the sense of loss that comes with it.

   While we shall look at where death came from and why people die in another article, perhaps for the moment we shall consider how to ensure that we are ready should we be the one to die. Do not neglect to hear this reality for death to come and you are not ready, nor have things set for your loved ones upon your demise. Things need to be in place, for, should Jesus delay His coming, it is a fact that you and I will pass away, whether now or later. Don’t let that make you afraid. Rather, let this reality help you to prepare.

   How can one prepare for death? Well, seeing that it may happen, one of the things we can do is to ensure that we have some life insurance if we do not have millions hanging around; some life insurance left in trust to our loved ones, with enough for our burial, and perhaps even enough for our family to have something extra to carry on. Life insurance does not have to be expensive, especially with so many companies offering it today. Check around and find one that is within your budget. Get some and do not hesitate in this matter. Many planned to get some, but never expected death to come when it did, leaving their loved ones burdened down with the debt and torment of having to find money to at least bury their bodies. This is not a good thing at all. It is your responsibility to make sure you have things in place so that this does not cause grief and sorrow upon the grief and sorrow your loved one may already be experiencing because of your passing. GET SOME LIFE INSURANCE, AND GET IT NOW! STOP PROCRASTINATING in this regard. That is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones.

   The second thing you may want to have in place, if you have assets, is a will that states clearly who and what you are leaving to your various loved ones. Make sure to spell your wishes regarding your will out clearly so that there is no doubt at all. This will should be done with a lawyer or Justice of the Peace, and placed into the hand of someone you deeply trust. Let your lawyer keep your original copy in the event that there are any discrepancies. This is vitally important, so make sure that you do it. As your assets increase you may need to update your will. Maybe someone on it may die before you. In such cases, you will need to remove that name from the will. Work with your lawyer in this regard. These two areas are where most problems develop once a person passes away. It causes much confusion, strife, contention, hurt, separation, and chaos among family members left behind.

   The most important thing you can do to prepare for death is to make sure you determine where you are going when you pass away. Physical death is not the end. You will have to face the true and living God and want to ensure that you have His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart. That is why He came in the flesh and died for our sins, so that we could have a relationship with God. “For God so loved the world (that is you and me and everyone else) that He gave His only begotten Son (that’s Jesus) that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (See John 3:16, the Holy Bible)

There is life after death. God has made the way for us to spend eternity in eternal joy, peace, and happiness. All we need to do is to give our hearts to Jesus. How? Simply pray this prayer and mean it with all of your heart. After all, Christ did all of the hard part. He died for our sins and rose from the dead. Salvation is a gift from God. Receive this gift by praying; “Oh God in Heaven. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe that He died for my sins according to the scriptures. I believe that He was buried. And I believe that You raised Him from the dead. Right now, I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior. I confess all of my sins to you. Please forgive me, wash me in the blood of Jesus, make me your child, and seal me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen and Amen.”