Have you ever dreamed about breathing your last breath? It sure gives you a different perspective on life!

…As I was hovering above my body, wondering what had happened to me, I couldn’t help but notice those standing beside my body, mourning. Some had tears in their eyes, others were making moaning sounds into their hands. I felt compassion for them, and insurmountable love overwhelmed me. But I had no way now to reach out to them and encourage them!

Memories of the myriads of people I had encountered during my lifetime flooded my mind, and with them, overwhelming regrets for not having loved them the way my Lord does! How impatient I had been with little Johnny, who was only asking for a few seconds of my attention. And Ted, whose car had broken down on the road. Why hadn’t I taken the time to help him out on my way to work? And what about Sonya, who was trying to raise her three children by herself? Why had I never shown any compassion towards her?

Then I was haunted with the whispers I had spoken behind people’s backs: “Did you notice that my colleague, Marc, always tries to impress his boss, but in all reality he never takes part in any responsibility? And what about Karen, that church member who always seems to make sure she attracts the attention of all the men in the congregation? And Tim, my cousin. He annoys me constantly with his good-for-nothing wife! A real unique pair they are!”

Was this bantering ever uplifting? Had my secret whispers encouraged anyone?

Then I remembered people who had been hungry for the Lord. Although I might not have been aware of it at that time, I had still left them wanting, left them feeling unloved. Would they ever reach heaven? Would my cold shoulder keep them from every meeting our Lord? Instead of being an edifier in their lives, had I only been an obstruction?

All those missed opportunities and no turning back! What had I done with my life!

We will all end up eventually in death. However, instead of tragedy and regrets, it could be the beginning of a glorious victory celebration in Heaven. There will be no tears for those who reach their ultimate destination in God’s neighbourhood! No way! There will only be great rejoicing!

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” (Matt 25:23 NIV)

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:23 NIV)

Is it really worth to spend all this time with the illicit lovers we have mentioned in this series, the illicit lovers who distract us from our real purpose on Earth? Isn’t it all about loving God and loving others the way He loves them? Isn’t this what we have been created for? Is this not our real destiny? Anything else will leave us far from ever being satisfied and we will end up being filled with regret!

“No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!” (1 John 4:12 The Message)

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Addictive Lovers of our Life” devotional series, please click here.)