Die Empty

A few years ago, I received a reservation/questionnaire form for my 20th high school reunion. One of the questions asked was “What one thing (advice) would you like to tell your classmates after 20 years?” After contemplating a few minutes, the following words came to mind: “Die Empty!”

It has been said “ he who dies with the most toys wins.” I believe the reverse is true. He who dies with nothing left to give wins. Like the Apostle Paul, I too want to “finish my course;” not just begin it. As for goals and aspirations, I want to take every land and conquer every mountain God has set before me. (Joshua 14:7-12) As for my relationships, I want to leave this world with the knowledge that “as much as depended upon me, I lived peaceable with all men” (Romans 12:18). As for my wife, I want her to one day say, “truly – this man loved me as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25). And for my children and children’s children, I want to leave an inheritance of not only wealth, but more importantly a good name. (Proverbs 13:22 & 22:1)

In short, I want to die empty – with nothing left to give. By God’s design, true success is measured by what a man gives away, not by what to he possesses. If we would take a closer look, the majority of our problems stem from our inability to let go of the things we try desperately to hold on to. Greed, pride, selfishness – all indicators of the “he who dies with the most toys” approach to life. Let’s endeavor to reverse the curse. Die Empty!