Famous Last Words

Recently I listened to a journalist's report of an execution he had witnessed.  It spoke of the condemned man's final march down the corridor to the death chamber.  A chilling summary of the preparations made for the lethal injection was given.  The description was grim, as one would expect.  We would depict this man, soon to pay his debt to society, as remorseful.  We would not think it unusual if he was pondering his life, the mistakes he had made, and the regrets he had.  We might even believe that his thoughts turned to God, the judgment and eternity.  But when he was escorted in,  staring death in the face, what were his last words?  "HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS?"!!!

I was stunned.  I believe this speaks clearly of our nation's infatuation with sports to the point that it has become their god.  God's word describes those in these grievous time as being, "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4).  They allow their zeal for the trivial to overrule good judgement, clouding their minds to concerns of supreme importance - salvation in Jesus Christ.

In the context of 2 Timothy 3 (referred to above), Paul speaks of those who practice such shameful conduct as "holding a form of godliness but having denied the power thereof" (vs. 5).  In other words, the detestable traits listed in 2 Timothy 3:2-4 can, and often does, put on a religious face.  It is lamentable to witnessed professed Christians serve the god of pleasure, as evidenced by bad choices made in the use of their time, energy and resources.  The Lord's command is:  "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).  The inspired apostle wrote:   "If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2).

The devil is having much success blinding the masses with seemingly innocent things (see 2 Corinthians 11:3). His mastery of deception is seen by man's fixation for fun to the  neglect of his soul.

The sin of worldliness takes many forms.  And as we have noticed, some are very subtle.  I think it is very sad that one's last words in life are those praising his favorite football team.  In stark contrast are the faithful words of the apostle Paul, also facing the prospect of death, when he said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). 

What will be your final words?  What will be the epitaph of your life?

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dan Richardson