"THE FINAL CHAPTER"
Different words are used, either in writing or verbally, to speak about life itself. It is a journey, a vapor, a book, or a race. We cannot always speak about duration for the simple reason that for some life is not long at all. A small infant dies shortly after birth or a teenager dies in a car wreck. We look at such incidents and know that long life is not promised to any of us. Whenever death finally closes and there is no longer a step between us, it is that last chapter of the book that we read with somber reality. The journey of life is often summed up by what we wrote last.
Ezekiel spoke about a righteous man turning from his righteousness. If righteous men fail to warn him, then his blood will be required not only of the wayward man but also of those who failed to give him warning (Ezekiel 3:20). In the same verse it states that the righteousness which he hath done, "...shall not be remembered". Living for God requires us to "finish the race". Those, then, that engage in righteous conduct all of their lives and come to the end and allow the last chapter to be written which is of unrighteousness, will destroy by such actions, all the good they did.
Paul spoke of his continual efforts to keep himself under control. The reason being that after he had preached to others, that he himself, "...should be a castaway" (I Corinthians 9:27). Case in point. When you hear the name Demas, what comes to mind? A man whose name was mentioned three times in the New Testament, two of which were good. Do we not remember him as the one who turned away from Paul, having loved this present world (II Timothy 4:10). This is what we remember about him. It is the last chapter of his life of which we read about his dying love for God. How sobering it should be to all of us but especially to those who proclaim the gospel.
Individuals can say vile and ugly things about us. Jesus taught us to so live that such words or charges are "false" (Matthew 5:11). We strive to live our lives in the light of God's Word. If evil is said, let it not be because it is true. We are not to suffer as wrong doers but rather so live that when we do suffer, we do so as Christians (I Peter 4:15,16). How saw it is today to see men who were faithful in proclamation of the Word of God allow the close of their lives to be marred by some departure, either in doctrine or attitude. As long as we are alive we can make a conscious choice to not allow our good to be evil spoken of by anyone.
When individuals come around us, do they sense that we have a walk with God (I John 1:7)? Do our words and actions convey a venomous spirit? Do they find in us a willingness to lift up the hands that hang down (Hebrews 12:12)? Do they see in us a spirit of compassion for those who go astray? Or do our words and actions convey the idea that "I am glad you fell"? Hearts that are broken can be mended by the Savior (Isaiah 61:1). The other side is that such hearts must be broken and contrite in order for the Lord to heal them. Some allow pride to so diminish their view of themselves and of God, that they will never either in private or public, come to God.
The righteous man does not compromise the truth for anyone. Neither should the attitude of "joyful destruction" be a part of his mindset. He lifts up his eyes to see the harvest. The harvest may very well consist not only of those who have never obeyed the gospel but also those who must be snatched from the fire (Jude 23). If we find enjoyment in the spiritual demise of others, there is something wrong with our view of God.
All of us need to spend time making sure we are in possession of the Spirit of Christ. The Christ who argued His case in front of all humanity by what He did and by what He taught (Acts 1:1). Let each of us take care and realize this day could be the "last chapter of our lives".