Shakespeare Was Right... and Wrong

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” – William Shakespeare

Well, yes and no, Mr. Shakespeare.

Yes, cowards do indeed die a thousand deaths on this side of the veil. In fact, every time they shirk their duty or shy away from doing the right thing because of the dangers involved or the potential repercussions, a little something inside them dies and they are diminished as a person. Let me give you a prime example.

A number of years ago, I was about to enter an important meeting where I was sure to be attacked for the strong biblical stand I had taken on a critical issue. Wanting to know whose support I could count on, I contacted a close friend who had the “inside scoop” and he gave me a list of who was sure to have my back. Unfortunately, the list only had one name on it but hey, one is better than none, right?

As the meeting unfolded, the attacks came fast and furiously… and quite frankly, they really stung. And so, I looked towards my supposed ally and as our eyes met, he gave me an embarrassed shrug and then turned away. His message was clear: you’re going down and I am not about to go down with you.

About an hour after the meeting ended, this individual appeared at my front door and sheepishly apologized for leaving me hanging in my time of need. I have since forgiven him but that night, I was in no mood to hear his cowardly excuses.

Now for the “No, you’re wrong, Mr. Shakespeare.” Even the most courageous person on the face of the earth will eventually die physically and then, if they have never accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, they will face a second and far more horrible death. This second death is a spiritual one and it is permanent. Tragically, it involves being separated from God’s presence for all eternity in a place called hell.

My friend, please don’t be unprepared when death comes knocking at your door. Trust Christ TODAY and you WILL only die once!

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President