Beech Tree News Network

We find a very interesting writing located on almost every headstone in every cemetery we visit. On every headstone, between the dates of a person’s birth and death is a dash. This short line represents the time one has lived upon this earth. Yet, more than this, the dash represents our actions, words, spouse, children, grandchildren, goodness, love, mistakes, sins, missed opportunities, successes, failures, etc. This “dash” represents the impact I have made on my little corner of the world in those few years. Yes, a great deal of meaning is associated with this “dash.”

I find it interesting that folks will sometimes use the word “dash” in a different context. At times, “dash” describes something happening very quickly (“He made a mad dash for the door.” “50-yard dash”; etc.). Yet, when we consider a man’s life, “dash” in this context is quite fitting since our lives pass very quickly. James said life is a vapor or mist (Jas. 4:14). David observed his days are consumed as smoke (Ps. 102:3)! Job noted that his days, “are passed away as the swift ships: like an eagle swooping on the prey” (Job 9:26). Yes, the days “dash” by (even in a quarantine!), and soon we are gone from this earth, allowing someone to carve a “dash” on our headstones!

Is this all there is to life? Is our only purpose on earth to live, consume space and resources, reproduce and die, so that another generation can do the same? Solomon considered life from this perspective and realized that kind of existence was a waste (Ecc. 1:4-11, 14, 2:11, 17, etc.). When we consider life only from the perspective of life upon this earth, we will come to the same conclusion! Yet, there is more to life than just eating, sleeping, and ultimately dying. The “dash” between our birth and death dates needs to represent more than that.

Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). All the things we worry about “under the sun” (to borrow a phrase) are provided when we put first things first! Some 1000 years before Christ, David wrote, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Ps. 37:25). Therefore, as we contrast Solomon’s observation with Christ’s statement, we see that what makes life meaningful is not what we possess in this life (Lk. 12:15).

In the conclusion of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon correctly “sums up” life’s purpose and meaning (Ecc. 12:13-14). In like manner, it is what we have done on a spiritual level that is the true measure of a person’s life! Are we saved from our sins or not (Mk. 16:16)? Are we living a selfless life of service to God (I Cor. 15:58)? Again, the words of Christ speak clearly on this subject. He said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15).

On another occasion, Jesus told His disciples, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt.16:26). Friend, what will the “dash” mean when it is carved on your headstone?

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You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167