“When a child is born into this world it cries and others rejoice. Live your life in such a way that when leaving this world it is you who rejoices and others that cry.”
Sherrye recently read this interesting saying from a book she is using to help with teaching the ladies class. Not only does it express an appropriate sentiment, but it is biblically sound. Consider the following passages:
Let your light shine before men in such a way th at they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them (Acts 9:3639).
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing (II Timothy 4:7-8).
Our Lord instructs us to live our lives in such a way that glory and honor are given to God. Dorcas lived her life for others and her leaving this world brought great sadness to those whom she touched. Paul tells the Galatians that the key to life is becoming Christ-like… so much so that it is Christ that lives in us. As Paul told the young preacher Timothy, he had fought, finished and kept those things which are most important during his brief stay on earth. In so doing, he joyously looked forward to the reward.
I have no doubt we each came into this world crying while others rejoiced and we had very little to do with bringing about such happiness. It is my earnest prayer and hope we will each determine to live our lives in such a way that, upon leaving this world, it is we who will rejoice while others are crying.
— For the elders (Gregg Woodall)