I saw a sign in a home decorating store. “Live each day like it’s your last.” It’s a nice thought. I like it. But how many of us actually live like that?

To be honest, I don’t. If I knew that today was my last day on earth I wouldn’t bother paying the electric bill, organizing my schedule for next week, or watching that pointless 30-minute sitcom after the kids go to bed.

But here’s another thought I had which was prompted by that sign and sentiment. If we are in Christ, we don’t need to be afraid of death, whenever it happens to come. That liberates us to live life courageously and in a whole new way.

In 1 Corinthians 15:26 Paul tells us that “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Now THAT would be an awesome sign for your living room! Jesus has defeated death itself; therefore, when that final day comes—and whenever it comes—it will be our last day on earth, but not our last day alive.

Puritan Richard Sibbes saw in this an encouragement to live courageously even in the face of threat and persecution: “They can kill us, but they cannot harm us.” Kazam!

So although I cannot honestly claim to “live each day like it’s your last,” I can in fact claim to “live each day like death is dead.” 

Will you join me?

There is freedom, joy and confidence in the footsteps of the one who is Life itself. 

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Notes:

—HAVE YOU READ my books “Turbulence” or “Up”? If so (and if you found the devotional helpful), it might help spread the word if you left a positive review on Amazon. You know, like, no pressure. Click here for Turbulence and here for Up. Thanks! 

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and returns on April 4, 2022.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.