Take a guess: What do you think are the top five regrets of the dying? A palliative nurse listed her findings in a book. Here they are:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish I’d let myself be happier.
How about you? Based on your current choices and lifestyle, might you have some regrets down the road? What might they be?
In Ecclesiastes 9:1-18, King Solomon reminds us that life is short and death is certain. So he encourages us to live in the most meaningful way we can.
First, he said, “Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart” (Ecclesiastes 9:7). Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, food and drink are frequently mentioned as examples of all that God has provided to comfort and cheer us (Ecclesiastes 2:24, 3:13, 5:18, 8:15). So, Solomon encouraged, go and enjoy a meal with your family and friends!
Second: “Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!” (Ecclesiastes 9:8). Eugene Peterson paraphrases this verse, “Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colors and scarves.” In other words, don’t dress as if you’re mourning. Don’t look slovenly. Be clean, neat, and tidy. Smell nice. Get dressed in celebration of God’s gift of life.
Third: “Live happily with the woman you love” (Ecclesiastes 9:9). Treasure your family and friends. Enjoy life with them.
Fourth: “Whatever you do, do well” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Carry out your duties with gusto. Do your work excellently unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
In short, don’t let life slip by—delight in God and live with no regrets!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 9:1-19
More:
Read Psalm 90:10-17 and then voice it as a prayer to God.
Next:
What changes do you need to make in order to live with no regrets? How do you want to be remembered?
Gary Shultz on October 20, 2014 at 6:55 am
Interesting thoughts. Regrets are different then a wish, like if I could do it over again. I regret I did not live more of my life fuller in Christ. But as with your suggestions, I can make a better investment from this point forward. Thank you.
russell fralick on October 20, 2014 at 9:14 am
Real food for thought here, thanks! It seems, to me at least, strange sometimes that living a Godly life is often best expressed in the day-to-day things: looking after yourself physically is Godly, as is sharing a meal with family and friends. Even more strange to someone like me, who can err on the side of performance and even legalism, is the fact that I am allowed to enjoy the journey!
ghchong on October 20, 2014 at 10:33 am
When a little bit deluded:
Let the godly strike me!
It will be a kindness!
If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine.
Don’t let me refuse it.
Verse from the Psalms (NLT)
Tom Felten on October 20, 2014 at 11:01 am
Good thoughts, Poh Fang. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how to truly bless God and others. As we live in this way, our eyes and our heart turn from ourselves—making for more content and Christ-centered days. Though I still struggle with selfish thoughts, praise God the work of the Holy Spirit—for without the Spirit’s work in my life I would be consistently thinking it’s all about me!
LCC on October 20, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Thank you Poh Fang for this timely article. I was feeling down recently and have lost the joy. Your article has given me suggestions. Reading your article also reminded me of what Jesus said in John 10:10 : ” I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full “. God bless.
Mike Wittmer on October 21, 2014 at 8:24 am
These are timely reminders. The certainty of death is the best reason I know to follow Jesus. I don’t need “a bucket list,” because whatever I don’t get to do this time around, I’ll be able to do forever when Jesus brings me back to this restored earth.
Winn Collier on November 1, 2014 at 9:03 pm
I actually like the list here. I think #5 is particularly powerful.