What do we fear in death ? It is certainly something all of us wish to avoid, but it is inevitable. What is something else we all want to avoid ? Disappointment. None of us want to be disappointed. So then, is that the fear in death ? A disappointing end to our life ? That would be true if we feel like we haven't accomplished our goals. It logically follows then that a determination of our goals is the key to finding that " acceptance " of death and the removal of fear from it. Still, we all want more time, just one more day. That desire is ingrained in our consciousness.
Faith plays an integral role in all of this. Faith promises a reward for a life well spent, a productive life. We need to define the goal. What is the goal of the faithful ? Everlasting life. How do I achieve that goal ? I must follow the precepts of my individual faith. When I do that, in all honesty and sincerity I will fulfill that goal. In that, the fear of death will be removed, there is no disappointment, only reward. Does the strength of my belief reflect itself in my willingness to die ? In other words, am I ready ? If we answer honestly and in all sincerity we have to say, no. We all fall short in the eyes of our God, whatever God you choose. Is that the disappointment, the fear ? Falling short of perfection ? God is perfection , is he not ? Is that a realistic goal then ? No, but a goal to strive for certainly. Can we all paint like Michelangelo ? Of course not, but we can still be artists. Can we write like Shakespeare ? Not even close, yet we write. It is the honesty and sincerity in our actions that is measured. That is the true standard of faith, not strict adherence to a " rule. " That isn't to say we should intentionally break the " rules " but follow them as honestly as we can. Consistency and continuity of action are the hallmarks of the faithful.
That would be an answer, an explanation for those of faith. What of those that profess no faith ? What would be the fear of death for them ? If they do not seek an eternal life all their goals would then have to be earth based. That entails the accumulation of wealth, power or property. What would be their reward ? The reward would also have to be earth based. How to avoid death ? There isn't any way to do that. No matter the degree of wealth, property or power obtained, death will still come. The question thus becomes, to what purpose did I accumulate these things ? There is no reward for me, only for future generations. Would that be the " reward " that removes the disappointment ? In one way I can see that solution. The removal of faith certainly makes it easier. The removal of " faith " removes the obligation to follow the " rules. " That is if you can convince yourself of the validity of the action. You would have to have " faith " in your beliefs ! The only question left is then, what is my belief ? That is something I have no answer for, perhaps one that has no faith could explain that to me, but I doubt it. Faith and doubt are bedfellows. Faith must guard against doubt. Doubt is insidious, a disease. Doubt can appear as " faith " to the unguarded. Only the foolish do not fear death, It is logical to tremble before your God. To be judged and fall short would be the ultimate disappointment and that is the fear in death !
Faith plays an integral role in all of this. Faith promises a reward for a life well spent, a productive life. We need to define the goal. What is the goal of the faithful ? Everlasting life. How do I achieve that goal ? I must follow the precepts of my individual faith. When I do that, in all honesty and sincerity I will fulfill that goal. In that, the fear of death will be removed, there is no disappointment, only reward. Does the strength of my belief reflect itself in my willingness to die ? In other words, am I ready ? If we answer honestly and in all sincerity we have to say, no. We all fall short in the eyes of our God, whatever God you choose. Is that the disappointment, the fear ? Falling short of perfection ? God is perfection , is he not ? Is that a realistic goal then ? No, but a goal to strive for certainly. Can we all paint like Michelangelo ? Of course not, but we can still be artists. Can we write like Shakespeare ? Not even close, yet we write. It is the honesty and sincerity in our actions that is measured. That is the true standard of faith, not strict adherence to a " rule. " That isn't to say we should intentionally break the " rules " but follow them as honestly as we can. Consistency and continuity of action are the hallmarks of the faithful.
That would be an answer, an explanation for those of faith. What of those that profess no faith ? What would be the fear of death for them ? If they do not seek an eternal life all their goals would then have to be earth based. That entails the accumulation of wealth, power or property. What would be their reward ? The reward would also have to be earth based. How to avoid death ? There isn't any way to do that. No matter the degree of wealth, property or power obtained, death will still come. The question thus becomes, to what purpose did I accumulate these things ? There is no reward for me, only for future generations. Would that be the " reward " that removes the disappointment ? In one way I can see that solution. The removal of faith certainly makes it easier. The removal of " faith " removes the obligation to follow the " rules. " That is if you can convince yourself of the validity of the action. You would have to have " faith " in your beliefs ! The only question left is then, what is my belief ? That is something I have no answer for, perhaps one that has no faith could explain that to me, but I doubt it. Faith and doubt are bedfellows. Faith must guard against doubt. Doubt is insidious, a disease. Doubt can appear as " faith " to the unguarded. Only the foolish do not fear death, It is logical to tremble before your God. To be judged and fall short would be the ultimate disappointment and that is the fear in death !
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