Better
In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,
A good name is better than precious ointment,
and the day of death than the day of birth.
It is better to go to the house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting,
for this is the end of all mankind,
and the living will lay it to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1-4
From the commentaries I’ve read about this the death that is being talked about is not ones own but the death of another.
People react to death differently. But the death of a loved one or someone we know should make us question our mortality.
Not so long ago my wife lost her youngest brother he was only in his forties. Everyone at the funeral said he died too young. That being said his funeral service was held in his favourite bar. His girlfriend and friends wanted to celebrate his life. And they did.
Our pastor conducted the service and gave a simple message of salvation to all who were there. Reminding them that life is short and finite.
Somehow however I got the impression that the message was lost on most who attended. And that day I wondered how many even considered their mortality and where they would spend eternity.
But the way I see it and I believe the writer of Ecclesiastes seen it; every funeral should give us pause on where we will spend eternity.
Question; Where will you spend eternity?
Please think about it.