|  The recent sudden and tragic death of actor Heath Ledger shocked and saddened millions of fans. Ledger, 28, died alone in his Manhattan apartment from what is suspected to be an overdose of sleeping pills. The cause of death will not be known until medical examiners complete toxicology tests in coming days.
But regardless of whatever is ultimately determined to be the cause of Ledger’s death at such a young age, sadly his sudden, tragic death is a reminder that we never know when our time on earth will come to an abrupt end. It reminds us that we must live each day, prepared to meet our maker and stand before Jesus to give an account for how we used the time He gave us on earth. It also reminds us that Jesus has called us to do what we can to make sure our friends are prepared for their eternity, as well. Being young, successful and to all outward appearances healthy, is no guarantee that either you or your friends have a long and healthy life ahead.
The Bible challenges us to live our lives with purpose and passion, wholeheartedly for the Lord. Ephesians 5:17 says,
"Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." (The Message)
Have you seriously wrestled with ‘understanding what the Master wants’? He wants you! He wants a deep and vibrant relationship with you. He wants your passion; He wants your gifts and talents. He wants them used for His glory and His kingdom of light! He wants you to use all of those things to let others know about him! Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:18, "God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others." (Contemporary English Version)
So as you talk with friends about the sad reality of Heath Ledger’s sudden death, use it to do what the Master wants. Be about what God has called you to, and introduce your friends to God's grace and Jesus' gift. Here are some conversation starters to help you:
- Ask your friends what they think of when they think of death. Does the thought of death scare them? What do they believe will happen when they die? Listen, then share what you believe based on what the Bible says.
- Do your friends have the confidence of knowing that they will be with Jesus when they die, whether their death comes suddenly and tragically, like Heath Ledger's did, or whether it comes after years of long life? This could lead to a discussion of what it takes to get into heaven.
- Ask your friends what they think the purpose of life really is. Do they understand that they have been designed for the purpose of being in a deep, meaningful relationship with God? Do they realize he is longing to draw them to Himself in love and forgiveness?
Whenever someone young and famous dies unexpectedly, it triggers a gut reaction that prompts us to think about what's really important in life. For followers of Jesus, that means "Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants" (Ephesians 5:17). And for our friends who don’t know Jesus, it creates an opportunity for us to turn their thoughts toward God and to extend His offer of grace and forgiveness. |
