GoBahnsen's pick for January 6th 2005 ~ GoBahnsen's pick for January 6th 2005 ~ Rhutchin has the right perspective on "tragic"

[GoBahnsen]

I agree with Piper.

Let’s define what a “tragedy” is and put it into perspective. A “tragedy” occurs whenever a person who is lost dies. The tragedy is that the person must stand before God to give account of their sins and then be cast into hell.

The manner in which a person dies does not determine whether the death is tragic. It is the person’s condition of being lost when he die that is tragic. It does not matter whether a person dies in a tsunami, from a roadside bomb or sniper bullet, or in bed while asleep. Whether the death is tragic depends on the person’s salvation.

The age at which a person dies does not determine whether the death is tragic. It does not matter whether a person is 15 years old with a full life ahead or 150 years old on life support with nothing more to do but die. Whether the death is tragic depends on the person’s salvation.

The numbers of people who die does not determine whether the death was tragic. Many thousands of people die every day all across the world and for many reasons. Should it be more tragic if these people all died at the same place and under the same conditions? It is tragic if these people are lost.

The timing of a person’s death does not determine whether the death is tragic. If a person is lost, should we be more concerned with their salvation if we think they will die tomorrow vs ten years from now? Are the deaths in Asia tragic because we were planning to go witness to those people but never got around to it? When a person is dead, it is too late to cry over them. Cry over the living or don’t cry at all.

God’s plan is for those who believe in Christ to make disciples. That plan did not change when 150,000 people died in a tsunami. It did not change when 150,000 people died across the world yesterday. Tomorrow, another 150,000 will die.

Nicely put Rhut, GB

[AcousticJS]

Where was this posted? I'd like to debate it, but know that this isn't the right place to do that...

[yxboom]

*cough*

[AcousticJS]

Thanks - much appreciated