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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is storing up treasures in Heaven, as the Bible says, more important than preparing a will? – S.T.

A: Few people like to dwell on death, and more people never prepare for it, but the Bible emphasizes these matters. Life is uncertain, but our future doesn’t have to be. Since death is an undeniable reality, we should all be diligent to have our house in order.

The story is told of an attorney who did not practice what he preached. He died unexpectedly shortly after his retirement. For decades people had sought his legal advice about wills and estates. His clients had great confidence in his knowledge, ability, wisdom, and common sense. When he died, he was remembered with great admiration.

But shortly after the funeral, his family made a disturbing discovery: the wise old attorney had never gotten around to preparing his own will nor had he informed anyone about his financial affairs. The family didn’t even know what properties he owned or even if he had a safe deposit box. He had failed to do for himself what he had advised countless others to do. God does expect us to look after our personal affairs and be responsible for what passes through our hands in life.

But more important than setting our house in order, is setting our soul in order and placing it in the eternal care of God. It is strange that men will prepare for almost everything except death. Someone has said that death is not a period, but a comma in the story of life. Death is simply the doorway to eternal life, whether in Heaven or Hell. Sooner or later, we will all face death, and we should be making preparations while we are living. The Bible tells us plainly, “Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12, KJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.