Few conversations center around our own death. That doesn’t mean we don’t think about it but, we just don’t like to talk about it very much. We may talk a little about how we want to die and may even tell others that we don’t want “extraordinary measures” used to keep us alive. On the whole, however, we just don’t spend a lot of time talking about the day we die.

     Have you ever given any thought as to the last words you will ever speak on earth? Actually, it’s not so much about your last words as it is the last thought you will want to convey to those around your bedside. What would you like to say that you feel would be important for them to remember?

     Supposedly, as Pancho Villa lay dying and without anything profound to say, he told a friend, “Tell them I said something.” (History Collection website) He wanted to be remembered, but he could not think of anything to say that would be memorable. Instead of being remembered for anything profound, he is remembered as a criminal whose final words were in fear he would be forgotten. In other words, his last thought would be that he had nothing to say!

     As the apostle Peter finished his last epistle, he closed with this thought: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be  the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Pet. 3:17,18) What- ever words Peter may have spoken after this writing are not recorded. However,  these final written words were given for the express purpose of saying something that the brethren would remember after Peter’s death! (2 Pet. 1:12-15)

     Whether your final thoughts and words are written or oral, you will leave behind something that will be remembered. What will they be? Many of the final thoughts and words recorded by Bible authors and personalities are recorded for us and carry great meaning. In many cases, those final thoughts had to do with pointing people to God and leaving behind a legacy of faith.

     John’s final words in Revelation are of heaven and that Jesus is coming to take the faithful home. (Rev. 21-22) Paul wrote of the crown of life waiting for the faithful. (2 Tim. 4:6-8) Jude’s final words are of God’s power and glory. (Jude 24,25) And, on the story goes.

     What will be your last thought and how will you express it to those around

you? Those words may mean the difference between faith or unbelief, salvation

or eternal loss. What will you say?

 

    Gary Knuckles is minister of the Briensburg Church of Christ, Briensburg, KY.