A Dignified Death

Lately it seems there has been an uptick in talk over assisted suicide, deemed by some as "death with dignity."  To me, there is nothing "dignified" about death, nor is there dignity in the foreknowledge of it.  Whether someone dies of old age, in an accident, by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, or through drugs ingested or injected, the spectre of death remains hideous.  The Bible teaches death entered the world through sin.  The fact our bodies die shows we are indeed infected with sin in a fallen world.  The soul that sins shall surely die and face eternal torment and separation from the God who loves all.  God will someday kill Death forever by casting it into a lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).

"Dignity" is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary as, "1) The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect; 2) to raise the status of something unworthy or lowly, make honourable."  Planning your death secretly or publicly does nothing to make death itself more worthy, nor does a lack of physical pain afford person honour.  Many honourable men and women have died, and in many cases the circumstances of their deaths are noteworthy as they provided proof of their character, love, and sacrifice for others.  Years ago I learned the story of Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean.  His extraordinary valour, bravery, and sacrifice deserves remembrance.  At the cost of his own life, he fought to his end to save his fellow soldiers.  When our lives are used to the end for the glory of God and the good of others, it is a dignified expense.  Yet our greatest sacrifices are a mere shadow of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us sinners. 

Romans 5:6-8 says, "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Jesus died on the cross in a dignified manner because He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of others.  His entire life was and continues to be a testimony of everlasting love, compassion, mercy, and grace.  Jesus died the most humiliating, excruciating, and horrific death imaginable for the sake of sinners - most of whom have mocked and slandered Him to this day.  He did not avoid pain or suffering, but embraced it so He might redeem us, become one with us, and hold us in His arms in heaven.  He paid a price no one could ever pay for themselves, and He rejoiced to do it.

No one dies on their own terms.  They die because they must, even if they willingly choose to expedite the process.  The immortal, righteous God laid down His life so all who repent and trust in Him can live.  He defeated death, rose from the grave, and bids all to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.  Apart from Christ all face the second death, far more sinister than our minds can fathom - unspeakable pain, suffering, and torment forever without intermission.  But Jesus has made a way to overcome the power of sin and death through faith in Him.  John 11:25-26 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  Our answer to this question will be revealed not by words alone, but by our lives.

I do not know the day, means, or circumstances of my future death (I am a sinner and deserving of death) - but I know the One who kills and makes alive.  He has given all the opportunity to live a worthy, honourable, dignified life every day for His glory and in service to others.  The death of my body will be a fleeting moment in eternity, and it is not my focal point to "die well."  In Christ we are called to die daily as a sacrifice for others, and in this God is glorified.  There is nothing more honourable than honouring the worthy God and bowing our hearts before our exalted Saviour.  That is a truly diginfied death.