...is the slogan around which an insurance company's recent advertising campaign has been built. Their aim was to encourage 'consumers' to make their 'deathwishes' clearly known so that they can be incorporated within a life insurance policy.
But when I heard this particular phrase used on TV not so long ago I didn't know whether I ought to be shocked or amused. One thing was for sure however, it made me think about how I, and I guess perhaps all of us, should die responsibly.
Of course, one thing is absolutely clear. Every single one of us is in a terminal condition. We're on a collision course to meet the 'Grim Reaper'. And because...
'...death is the destiny of every person; the living should take this to heart.'
Ecclesiastes 7:2
So, in trying to think how I should 'die responsibly' certain considerations come to mind...
PRACTICAL DECISIONS
Without wanting to be morbid there are of course important decisions to make while we're still fit and able, like making a Will and appointing a Power of Attorney. And we'll be doing those we leave behind a huge favour by de-cluttering and downsizing before we get to the point where we simply can't face it all!
RELATIONAL PRIORITIES
In dying responsibly it's always of utmost importance to remind those closest to us that we love them, and not only through what we do for them, as this can easily be misinterpreted as simply duty. And even for us Scots, surely it's not too difficult to put it into words.
SPIRITUAL ESSENTIALS
But if we're really serious about dying responsibly there's certainly nothing more important than 'getting right' with God... because after death there's no second chance. So many men, women and young people have gone into Eternity under the serious mistaken assumption that they had plenty of time. That's irresponsibility towards our loved ones, but more importantly, irresponsibility towards God, because...
'Who can forgive sins but God alone?
Mark 2:7
...and without forgiveness God says we all face judgement, condemnation and hell.
In a cemetery not far from New York City stands a headstone engraved with a single word... 'FORGIVEN'. The message is simple and unembellished. There is no date of birth, no date of death, no epitaph. There's only a name and the solitary word, 'Forgiven'. But that's the greatest word that could ever be applied to any man, women or young person, written on any gravestone.
So today, if you haven't already found peace with God by turning from all you know to be wrong, seeking His forgiveness and receiving His Son, Christ Jesus, as Lord and Saviour, please don't put if off because NOW is always the right time...
'...now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation.'
2 Corinthians 6:2
And that's how to die with TRUE responsibility... our response to His ability!
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