"What Will You Say?"

If you are aware of your impending death, what kind of advice would you give your family? What would you say? Would you talk about the years gone by? Would you speak about your possessions? Would you talk about the things you didn't do or places you didn't go?

David, before he passed away, spoke to his son Solomon giving him advice. David was an old, experienced warrior and king but he knew his own mortality. David knew Solomon would take his place as king but it is interesting to note that David did not advise him how to rule. He didn't speak to his son about the family inheritance. He pointed his son Solomon in the path that all people should take because all will face death. 

"I am going the way of all earth. Be strong therefore, and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all you do and wherever you turn." (I Kings 2:2-3)

Of all the things that David could have spoken, the last words his son would hear from the mouth of his father was pointing him to God and His instructions. David wanted his son to be a man of character, integrity and be strong and act like a godly man should act. He spoke about being strong toward the Lord and His teachings. He didn't want Solomon to follow the world. Anyone can follow the crowd but a man of conviction and faith will stand with the Lord no matter what everyone else does or says.

Years down the road, the apostle Paul wrote two inspired letters to Timothy, his spiritual child. As Paul's life drew to a close he penned these words of advice and direction: "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (I Tim. 4:8) Be godly was his advice. "In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing." (II Tim. 4:8)

As you draw nearer to the end of your life, what will you speak to your family?