Live Like You Were Dying

“I was in my early forties, with a lot of life before me, and a moment came that stopped me on a dime. I spent most of the next days looking at the x-rays…” So begins Tim McGraw’s popular song about dealing with the surprise of sudden bad news and finding oneself at death’s door. The song makes a number of good points about how our perspective changes when we are faced with such a reality. No longer are we worried about getting every job done or how many hours we spend at the office. Instead we might focus on loving deeper, speaking sweeter, giving forgiveness where we denied it before. We might try to become the friend a friend would like to have, spending time doing things that might not be considered productive but that make lasting memories and strengthen relationships. The song ends with a wish: “Someday I hope you get the chance, to live like you were dying”

That got me thinking. Aren’t we as Followers of Jesus to have this kind of attitude and “Live like we were dying?” After all, aren’t we to reflect those better values mentioned by the songwriter? We are to be “completely humble and gentle” and to “let our love be sincere.” No more rumors, gossip, factions and insincerity.”

How is that working out for you? Well, for me–not so much! Although I like to be transformed into that amazingly kind and loving person, who is always focused on others before thinking of myself, more often than not, I find myself concerned about number One, me and myself. So I look for “Ten steps to a better attitude” or “Five ways to love your neighbor,” but find that doesn’t work or last.

What then is the real route to transformation and living in a way that pleases God? It’s an answer we don’t like, because it goes even further than Tim McGraw’s suggestion:

We are to live like we are dead!

Really?

At the heart of the Christian faith is the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, of Him laying down his life for others. That same pattern is also the foundation for our transformation. Those who placed their trust in Jesus are told: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” When we make it a pattern putting to death whatever belongs to our earthly, selfish nature, we will enjoy real security and true transformation happens. (Colossians 3:3,5)

Death is the prerequisite to resurrection, the new life God intends for us–so let us live like we are dead!

*”Live like you were dying“ by Tim McGraw