Thought For The Week

Brent was a big burly guy with a big belly and a big laugh to go along with it. Not a tall man, just medium in height. Brent wouldn’t stand out in a crowd. He just looked like your average “man-on-the-street” and looked like your neighbor, your huntin’ buddy, or your cousin. He had red hair, freckles and wore a big grin and for the short time that I was around him, he was a pleasant sort, someone you wouldn’t mind spending time with. Brent was a plumber, just a regular guy with a regular job, just like the rest of us. I met him just a few years back while playing at the local country music show, oh yes, and Brent could sing and sing well. He belted out country songs with a loud yet smooth voice and folks enjoyed listening to him sing. The last time I saw him was about a year ago. Sadly, I received an email last week that Brent had passed away suddenly at just 42 years old. Anytime someone we know suddenly leaves this world we’re reminded of just how short and unexpected life can be. I don’t imagine that Brent had planned to die so soon, but it wasn’t his choice.

When we come face-to-face with our mortality, one realizes that all have the choice as to what kind of life they choose to live, we can live for ourselves or we can live a full life which includes living for Christ. Yes, it’s possible to live a full and happy life without Jesus and many people do. That’s one of the reasons Jesus said, “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45). However, the New Testament is full of encouraging words which testify to the great advantages found in living for the Lord.

The Christian does not have to worry about sudden death because passing from this life is the victory over sin and over Satan. Folks, it’s not just once a week, twice a week thing but a daily walk because we are “children of light” and we are to “walk in the light as He is in the light” every single day. Have you dedicated your life to walking with Jesus? Have you put on “the whole armor of God” so that you can defeat the old devil and live so that others can see your good works and want to be a part of the forgiveness and salvation you enjoy? Let me encourage you to continue to grow in the faith, continue to worship, edify each other in His church and in doing so you will be ready for life’s unexpected surprises. God wants you to be a living, working, functional part of the body of Jesus Christ and if you’ve not been participating as you should, please make the commitment today serve Him better than you did yesterday.

Jay Launius 2021, Maud church of Christ, Maud, Texas