A Faceful of Dirt

“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

Today’s devotional message is the last in a five-part series on life, death, and everything that happens in between. In other words, the difference you and I are making during our 60, 70, or 80 years on this planet.

Not for our sake, reputation, or posterity… but for the cause of Christ!

Marcus Tullius Cicero, better known simply as Cicero, was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher, orator, and writer who lived during the first century BC. The fact that we still talk about him today – and study his writings – speaks to the impact he had on human history.

And yet, my best guess is that Cicero, despite his vast wisdom and wealth, is not enjoying the fruits of his labor in heaven today. Not because he wasn’t a good man, but because there is no indication that he believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

That is indeed a sobering thought for someone whose fame and fortune was virtually limitless during his lifetime. May the same not be said about you and me.

On the contrary, my deepest desire is to hear my Savior say “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!” (Matthew 25:23, BSB)

In the meantime, since death and dying can be downers to talk about, I thought I would leave you with a couple of humorous quotes I came across while researching this topic. I hope they make you chuckle.

“The idea is to die young as late as possible.” – Ashley Montagu

“Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.” – David Gerrold

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President