Wasting Away Again in Margaritaville

“The best of men are conscious above all others that they are men at best.” – C.H. Spurgeon

In the wake of the tragic passing of Jimmy Buffet, I have heard a variety of responses from his legions of fans. Many of them, especially those who loved his calypso-influenced music and who had adopted his laid-back Caribbean lifestyle, offered sentiments such as “See you on the other side in Margaritaville.”

I have read the Bible through and through and I have yet to find a single reference to a place called Margaritaville. On the contrary, the Bible talks about heaven – also known as Paradise (Luke 23:43), Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16:22-23); and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2) – and hell, which is also referred to in different contexts as Hades, Sheol, and the Lake of Fire.

Today, Jimmy Buffet is in one of those two places. If he knew Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, he is at rest and at peace. If he didn’t, he is in a place of eternal and everlasting torment.

A few months ago, Deanna and I took a mini-cruise to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary. The ship is owned and operated by the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and shuttles back and forth from Riveria Beach to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. The ship we sailed on was named “Margaritaville” in honor of Jimmy Buffet… and at least half of our fellow passengers were “Parrotheads.” I had never heard the phrase before, but apparently there are Buffet fans around the world who are so devoted – and who so closely identify with him and his music – that they formed clubs to have “PHun and PHrolic” as their official website says.

I wonder what those Parrotheads are doing today. Are they in mourning? Have they lost their passion for life and their purpose for living? I certainly hope not. After all, Jimmy Buffet was just a man – an extremely gifted musician and a very astute businessman – but a man, nonetheless.

I remember when Frank Sinatra died in 1998. Yes, as an avid fan, I was deeply saddened by the news and by the realization that he wouldn’t be recording any more music for the world to enjoy. However, my bigger concern was whether Ol’ Blue Eyes had placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

My friend, it’s fine to enjoy music and to have a favorite singer or two. Just don’t get carried away to the point of idolatry. Instead, try praying for your favorite vocalist’s salvation.

“And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’” Luke 12:19-20 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President