Some people are apprehensive about death because they fear that in the next life they will have to leave behind all that makes life meaningful in this life. They shouldn’t be. What are some things that make life meaningful in this life? Well, many of us find that meaningful work is important to us. When we get to do what we do best and the work blesses people, work gives us a sense of purpose, a reason to wake up in the morning. If we don’t like work it is usually more the conditions in which we work and not the work itself that frustrates us. But there will be work in heaven. Revelation 9b–10 reads:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
Note especially verse 10. It is Genesis language, that humankind was created to be God's agents to take care of His creation. Here we see humankind is once again given that task but now to care for a new earth, a reminder that the new creation includes a new heaven and a new earth, and a new earth will need a new humanity to care for it.
Another thing that makes life meaningful is relationships. We learn very early that it is not good for man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). We need to be in relationships where we can give and receive love. Again, the picture we have of the life to come is a communal one. It will consist of “persons from every tribe and language and people and nation”. Indeed, Jesus’ promise that He will see His disciples again is made to a group, not just to individual followers (Matt. 26:29).
Therefore the new life—life after death in Christ—will include meaningful work and meaningful relationships. And while we do not know what form they will take we know that these two things will be there.
The apostle Paul was not fearful of death. In fact he preferred it because it meant that he would be able to be in the direct presence of his beloved Lord.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Phil. 1:21–26 NIV).
What is mind blowing here is that Paul prefers death because it means that he will be with his beloved Lord, but he understands that life on this side of heaven is for loving his Master by loving others.
It would seem then that our life must be Christ centred and lived for His glory. So, whenever the transition comes, the time to leave this life for the next, the overriding reality of our lives—our relationship with Christ—remains the same.
As I consider my mortality, I ask the Lord what He would have me do with whatever time He chooses to give me. His answer is: “Why are you so obsessed with work? I want you to draw closer to me.” Ah.