THEN THEY DIED
Prince Philip, Betty White, John Madden, Hank Aaron… Notice anything about these names? They were celebrities who died in 2021. Each reached the pinnacle of success in their field. Each had their day in the sun; their moment of glory.
Prince Philip, lived ninety-nine years and was married to Queen Elizabeth for seventy-three. He was the longest serving consort to any British monarch in history. He possessed every prize this world offers: pleasure, popularity, fame and fortune. Then he died
Betty White also lived ninety-nine years. She holds the Guinness World Record for the longest female acting career, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted in the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Then she died.
John Madden was head coach of the Oakland Raiders for ten years, and won one Super Bowl. His regular-season record of 103 wins, 32 losses, and 7 ties, is number-one among coaches with more than 100 games. He also won sixteen Emmy Awards as an announcer. Then he died.
Hank Aaron played twenty-three years of major league baseball. Dearly loved by millions of fans, “Hammerin’ Hank” was one of the greatest players ever to swing a bat. He broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Then he died.
Hundreds more could be cited. Artists, authors, and actors. Rappers, recording stars and radio personalities. Some were more than a century in age. Others, still in their teens. Famous or ordinary, young or old, wealthy or impoverished, we all share one common fate—the grave.
Without appearing macabre, one day all our names will appear among those who passed from this life. I don’t expect my name to grace the list of famous celebrities. But more importantly, does my name appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life?
In Matthew 16:26, Jesus uttered perhaps the most profound words in history, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Compared to eternity, this life amounts to less than a blink. All that matters in the end, is whether Jesus lived in me.
As we say goodbye to 2021, I challenge us to consider our lives. This isn’t a game. It’s a profound reality. If you want to learn more about being a Jesus follower, contact me at BarneyCargile.com. May God bless you with a rich and wonderful life in 2022.
Principle: What does it matter if I gain the whole world but lose my soul?
Ponder:
As I evaluate my life, how can I draw closer to Jesus in 2022?
What commitments am I willing to make to remove any obstacles that block me from drawing closer to Him?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Matthew 16:24-28.
Prayer: “Lord God, how easily I’m seduced by this world. Help me keep my eye on you in the year ahead.”