A Christian’s View of Death (from my kids’ perspective)

I asked my kids, now seniors in high school, to write brief essays inspired by John Donne’s “Death, Be Not Proud” (linked here).

I always enjoy reading their thoughts on weighty issues. They seem more mature than I was as a teenager! I hope their words will be a blessing to you.

---

From Aidan, age 17…

Death is a topic that most people loathe talking about. A conversation about death usually involves shed tears, solemn faces, or a hasty change of subject. However, for true Christians, death is not to be feared. When Christians die, their physical bodies remain on earth, but their souls go instantly to heaven. One pastor put it this way, “When a Christian breathes his last breath on earth, he breathes his first breath in heaven.” Paul says in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul is explaining that as long as he is alive on the earth, he lives to benefit Christ’s kingdom. However, when Paul dies, he receives the benefit because he ascends to heaven where there is no more pain, suffering, or heartache. Charles Surgeon said, “The Christian need not dread sickness, for he has nothing to lose, but everything to gain, by death.” Because death is a gateway to heaven, it holds no fear in the heart of a Christian.

---

From Shae, age 16…

“We see his smile of love even when others see nothing but the black hand of Death,” according to Charles Spurgeon. Death brings Christians everlasting new life, free of our sin. Once Death abolishes our sin natures, we, in our new natures, can be with the one who formed us, loves us, and gave himself for us. Forever, we will revel in perfect love, joy, and peace from being with God and our fellow worshipers. Perfect purpose and enjoyment will fill our activities and surroundings. Death gives these gifts, for he is only a servant of God. 

I am eager to go to Heaven, yet there is much to be done on Earth. For God’s glory and the lost’s salvation, I want Death to delay visiting me. However, I remember that Death will smash the mirror providing this dim view of God, revealing to me his joyful, loving face. That, I long for. 

“One short sleep past, we wake eternally…” – John Donne