It appears that one event that draws most friends and relations together in the average Nigerian setting is burial ceremonies. The manner with which people show up and financially support burial ceremonies can be stunning. At such times, people get to see relatives and friends that they haven’t seen in ages. They continuously sing the praises of the loved one that has passed on and recount how good he/ she was. In Acts 9:39 (CEV), the Bible records a similar story: “The men took Peter upstairs into the room. Many widows were there crying. They showed him the coats and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was still alive.”
As I read this passage, I could not help asking myself – Did these widows ever gather at Dorcas’ house to sing praises about the coats and clothes that she made when she was alive? I may not have the answer, but from what I see around me today, I am tempted to think otherwise.
Why would most of us rather give people a befitting burial than show up, and be there for them, when they are going through a bewildering trial? Why do we find it difficult to send a note of thanks to people when they are alive, but spend time to write good things in a condolence register they will never read? Why do we spend more time accusing the brethren instead of encouraging them with the Word? I like the way Apostle Paul began most of his epistles. He always thanked God for His grace in the lives of the brethren and for the progress they were making as believers, even though they still had ‘issues’. I particularly like Philippians 1:3 (CEV) where he wrote – “Every time I think of you, I thank my God.”
When Jesus walked this earth, he constantly encouraged his disciples even though he didn’t refrain from correcting them whenever they erred. When it came to dealing with the dead, he said – let the dead bury their dead (Mat. 8:22). This sheds light on where our emphasis should be – a far cry from what we currently practice.
As believers, we are expected to bear one other’s burden and encourage one another even as we see the day of the Lord approaching. One sure way to do this is by appreciating our fellow believers – their strengths and good works while they are alive, rather than focusing only on correcting their errors. Giving kind words and financial / material support for instance – we cannot underestimate how valuable this would be in propelling them to make progress in the things of God. Don’t expect them to be perfect before you do this. Please appreciate those that have been a blessing to you and our generation in any way.
If anyone of my family or friends do not give me the encouragement I need to achieve my purpose when I am alive, they need not bother to show up at my burial. I feel that if they acted like my burial was more important than my life, I would get up, chase them away and then, go back to sleep! That’s one of the jokes to remember in November!
The action point is: flip through your phone and address book; think back – over the years; who preached the gospel to you when you got saved? Who taught you the Word? Who helped you in school or in business? All the people that God has used to bless you, the least you can do is to appreciate them today – if they are still alive. Write them. Pray for them. Thank them. Send gifts to them. Do so within the next two weeks. What an amazing revival we would see in world if all Christians could do this now and onwards.
Let this revival start with you!
– Tope Aladenusi