Momento Mori

Modern culture is obsessed with youth and youthfulness. There is an unfair stigma associated with getting older. Grey hair, wrinkles, aches and pains all create a great deal of physiological distress, because of the stereotypes that come to mind. The elderly are associated with mothballs and addled mental capacities. “Old people” are two or three decades behind in terms of fashion and appear to be out of touch with social norms. Our society marginalizes aging people so much that individuals in there 50’s worry about their job security, because, “Let’s face it, who is going to hire someone my age…” 

Beneath all of this apprehension about getting older is this deeper unspoken uneasiness about death. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). Psalm 90 was written by Moses who bluntly reminds us that we have 70 years, and if we have enough strength, we might get 80. And then we die. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:10).

There are ancient stories that tell us that when a Roman general would parade into the city displaying all of his might and power that there was a slave whispering in his ear “Remember thou art mortal.” It is easy to become so wrapped up in the successes and failures of today that it is hard to face the fact that life could end at any moment. Momento Mori is a Latin phrase that is loosely translated, “Remember your death” or “Remember you will die.” Ancient stoics made it a practice to meditate about their own death. While the Bible commands us not live our lives based on worldly philosophy (Colossians 2:8) this idea of thinking about our individual deaths is a Biblical concept. Jesus, in his parable about the rich man making plans for what he was going to do with all of his great wealth, God responded, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee” (Luke 12:20). James exhorts, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareath for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:13-14).  Death is coming. 

I have an unusual job. Working with life insurance has been a sobering experience. Conversations with family members left behind is a daily reminder that we only have one shot at life. A large percentage of my week is spent filing life insurance claims on deceased ministers. While there is something rewarding about helping grieving family members through the process of finalizing a person’s business affairs, sometimes the job comes with unexpected shocks. While most of the claims that I am working on are individuals who have lived full happy lives every once in a while I am called upon to file a claim on an accidental death involving and individual leaving behind a young family.  

When we talk about Stewardship we often focus on saving money and getting ready for retirement or giving to the church. However, when we ignore our own mortality we neglect to plan for the most obvious event that will most certainly take place. We are foolish to assume that it will take place many years into the future. In order to get a handle on this critical piece of Stewardship there are several actions we can take. 

First, we must release our fear of death. As Christians we look toward death not with dread but with hope. As Paul noted, “For to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain…I am in a straight betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better.” (Philippians 1:21,23). Are we really so attached to the things of this life that we dread going to heaven?

Second, ask yourself what life would be like for those left behind if you died today. Paul’s conclusion was that even though he would prefer to go on to heaven “to abide in the flesh was more needful” for the time being because of the needs of the Philippian church (Philippians 1:24). God determines when a person dies, however fortunately there are some things that we can do to deal with this uncertainty. 

 Insurance is about managing risk, and life insurance is about offsetting the risk associated with the financial hardship of those left behind. It is our responsibility as Stewards to care for our family, and make sure that we have not only adequate life insurance, but also accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance as well.

AD&D is a special kind of insurance is that covers accidents that would cause a person to become disabled. Loss of limbs, vision, and hearing are often covered, but a benefit also paid if the insured does not survive the accident. One advantage of AD&D insurance is that it is incredibly cheap. The UPCI has AD&D policies available to credentialed ministers, but there are also lots of options in the marketplace for anyone. 

In conclusion, it is possible to live a more meaningful, intentional life when we regularly ask ourselves, “What actions would I need to take if the Lord told me that I only have three months left to live?” If I am living everyday with my household in order I can focus on those things that really matter.