Recently, I was quizzed as to the ingredients in a “perfect funeral”. I discovered in conversation that many Christians would like to have a “perfect funeral”. I immediately thought of Revelation 4:13 (NIV), “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Obviously, “in the Lord” was a key phrase.
Another way of saying it would be “congratulations to those who die in the Lord.” Having a born-again relationship with God and not facing death as penalty or punishment would make a difference.
But there had to be more. I have attended and officiated at many funerals where it was far from perfect even though the obituary had included a church membership or Christian identification.
I have come to a two word description: joyful obedience. If you want to have a perfect funeral, just live a life of ‘joyful obedience”. Your life will have to be joyful or people won’t take your faith seriously. Joy is an immediate encourager, whatever you situation.
Obedience will be the watermark that proves to people that you really were “born again” and took seriously your Christian commitment. Obedience to the words of Jesus will always point people to Jesus. Tie the joy and obedience together.
There is nothing worse than a frowning Christian. With these two ingredients in your life, people will come to your funeral expecting to share in a celebration. Your life will have already delivered your Eulogy. The tears will be from gratitude for your life.
People would not dread attending this kind of service. The positive lessons presented would truly impact the attendees. Begin today to live “joyfully obedient” to the Lord and have a “perfect funeral”.
“Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I really believe that I can live
a life of joyful obedience. That is really my heart’s desire! Amen”
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