We rarely think about our death. We do everything to avoid it! But sometimes it is good to stop and examine the direction of our life. If we would die now, would we be satisfied with what we leave behind?

When Paul writes to Timothy, he knows his days are numbered. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV). Paul worked hard to grow the Kingdom of God. He fought against himself and religious critics. Paul set himself goals and achieved most of them. And above all, he remained close to the heart of God, he did not give up hope of seeing his Savior face to face. Would we be able to say the same if we were to leave today?

Our mission is to grow the Kingdom of God. We do this by our words and actions, but also, at times, by simply being a living witness to the presence of Christ through us. “Have I been a good representative of Christ?” We are not perfect, of course. We had excesses of anger, and we acted out of jealousy or greed; but have we been close enough to the heart of God to humble ourselves and confess our misconduct? “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3 NKJV).

For our sanctification, God puts several tools before us. We have the local church, where teamwork with other Christians can exercise our patience and tolerance. We have all the storms of this world that teach us perseverance (James 1:2-3). We live surrounded by sinners, to practice our mercy and compassion. And some of us, also have a marriage that teaches us to sacrifice and forgive. If our life ended today, could we say with satisfaction that we have used all the tools God has given us to become more Christlike?

Can we declare like Paul, that even if our desires have not all been answered, it has not made us waver in our faith? That we have not changed our standards or our devotion for our gain? Compared to last year, for example, has our faith grown (2 Corinthians 3:18), do we feel closer to our Father?

If we do not think we can declare what Paul said at the end of his life, it is perhaps because we have strayed from what is truly essential. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV).