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16 Oct: Learn to Live Wisely
Everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:1–4
Free funerals for the living. That’s what’s offered at a place in South Korea. Since 2012, more than 25,000 people—teenagers through retirees—have taken part in these mass “living funeral” services. They come hoping that facing their own death will somehow change how they live.
The organizers say the simulated ceremonies are meant to give people a clearer view of their lives, stir up gratitude, and help with forgiveness and reconnection among family and friends.
Those ideas sound a lot like the wisdom of the teacher in Ecclesiastes: “Everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Death has a way of showing us how short life is and how limited our time is to live and love well. It loosens our hold on some of God’s good gifts—money, relationships, pleasure—and frees us to enjoy them now while we store up “treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).
When we remember that death could come at any time, it might push us to stop putting off that visit with our parents, to stop delaying a step of service God has put on our hearts, or to stop letting work crowd out time with our kids. With God’s help, we can learn to live wisely.
By: Chloe Lee
Go deeper on: Learn to Live Wisely
Reflect & Pray
What changes will you make in your life today as you think about death? How can you be more conscious about death amid the hustle and bustle of life?
Loving God, help me to remember the brevity of life and to live well today.