I remember the old saying, “Two things you cannot avoid is, death and taxes” The reality is that you can avoid taxes, but it may get you placed in jail, but death, that is a porthole that all people will go through. It is the proof that we are sinners (Romans 3:23), and that we must pay the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). Our condemnation is not based on how bad we are, because according to John 3:18 we are all born “condemned already”. Yet because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ we can come to understand 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, “O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. BUT thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (emphasis mine).We do not have to fear death and its power, because death does not bring an end, and judgment, for the believer, death brings a new beginning and true peace and joy. The knowledge that our lives here on earth have meaning and purpose as God enables us to be used to exalt the Kingdom of God. And when our work in this world is finished, he comes to bring us to our home in heaven. This gives purpose not only to our lives, but to our existence! I am alive today to bring glory to God, and He opened my eyes to His wonderful grace for a reason and purpose. Let’s choose to live in that, and allow God to work out His plan in our lives.