BE FAST, YOUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT

BE FAST, YOUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT

As I took my seat inside Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Bishopscourt Asaba for the Service of Songs in honour of Late Mrs Ifeoma Osemenam (Nee Ezinwa) the wife of Ven Charles Nnamdi Osemenam, the senior priest in the Church where I serve who died on 11th April, 2015, the question I asked sometime ago flashed into my mind. The question was, when is the right time for someone to die?

When I posted the question on my Facebook page, there were so many comments but one of them that caught my attention says, "It is best to die when the grace is still there whether you are young or old." So as I sat there thinking about the short life of Mrs Ifeoma Osemenam, it dawn on me that life is only meaningful when you live and die under the grace.

Mrs Ifeoma Osemenam lived for 44 years. Before her death and within the short period she lived, she affected so many lives in her capacity as Coordinator Asaba Diocesan Ladies/Girls Guild and Priest's wife. She was very fast in her call and ministry that she did so much within the period she lived. She understood that her time is running out and with zest, zeal, vigour and commitment pursued her calling. The number that attended her service was greater than a normal Diocesan service.

The worst regret in life at death will be the regret of not doing what you wished or wanted to do when you had the opportunity. The regret of not affecting lives that came through you. This will torment you at death and even in eternity.

We should understand that our time is running out very fast. Your death may be this hour, day, week or this year. Two Sundays before the death of Mrs Ifeoma Osemenam, as I was preaching, I mentioned that this may be my last message and some people seated, it may be their last opportunity of hearing the word of God or coming to the church as death may come for us. I never knew death was waiting for her already. 

It was for the reason in our topic that Paul warns us to wake up from slumber and redeem the time. That things you desire to do, be fast about it. The life/lives you should affect, begin at this moment. God has blessed you with that talent, gifts and wealth so that you can use it for the well for others. Remember the story of the Rich man and Lazarus. At the place of the dead, he wished his brothers will use his wealth judiciously.

You don't have all the time on earth. It was my mentor, Robin Sharma who gave the challenge that people should live well by seeing each day as their last on earth. He went further to admonish that people should organise their own funeral. What challenges me most is this Sanskirt saying, "My son, when you were born, you were crying while the world were rejoicing. Live your life so well so that when you die, you will be rejoicing while the world will be crying."

So I am asking you today, who will cry when you die? If only your family that will cry when you die, then you didn't live well. Mrs Ifeoma Osemenam lived well in the eyes of men that was why Cathedral Church of St. Peter Asaba was filled to capacity for her Service of Songs. What will be the reaction of people when you die whether as a young man or at a very old age? Live well now because time is running out on you.

Your friend,
Tabugbo Uzoma