My near death experience

Written  9/10/02

Having experienced a "near death" event a few weeks ago, I have learned a few things about myself and my faith. It really didn't hit me for some time that I had nearly died. I was in a very serious situation. Maybe it was the peace that surpasses understanding, or maybe I was not thinking too clearly as it was happening, but I just wasn't afraid.

I still don't know what caused my allergic reaction, but I do know that I was going downhill fast until my son prayed for me. I refuse to second guess myself as to what it was I ate or inhaled or what insect bit me. I have to remind myself to not live in fear.

Life is so fleeting, so temporary. It can be snatched away in a split second. However, I have come to realize that something cannot be taken from me if it doesn't belong to me. Scripture says that I died, and my life is now hidden in Christ. I should fix my heart and my mind on heavenly things. This is a reality check from God.

Paul taunts death in 1 Corinthians when he quotes the psalmist: "Death, where is your sting?" In other places he makes it clear that death is meaningless to him (To live is Christ, to die is gain). The grave has no power over God's children! I suspect that what motivates a lot of the self-improvement movement, with its diets, exercise programs, plastic surgeries, and obsession with self is the fear of death.

Therefore, we should not fear death, but beyond that, we should fully embrace life "in Christ." The life I live is really Christ living in me. As I pursue understanding of being "in Christ," or even, asking "in His name," I realize more and more that I need to obtain His heart and see through His eyes. 

Nothing changes dead flesh, but He transforms my spirit. That was the part of me that was dead but He made alive. Someday, this physical body will catch up to the spiritual reality, but for now I would rather nurture my spirit life.

The flesh is what I am commanded to put to death. Improving it is an impossibility. I am the same old guy if I lose 20 pounds or not. But Jesus transforms the real me into something that is pleasing to God. God accepts me into His family, and now I have abundant life, an inheritance, and a hope. 

So, now I have gained a fresh perspective. My life keeps getting better as I come into His presence and allow His glory and beauty to permeate me. I begin to stop the charade of the old man who is dead and start living the reality of Christ. The more I give up, the more I gain.

Here is a song I wrote the day after my "near death" experience:

1) HERE IN THE QUIET PLACE, AS I BEHOLD YOUR FACE;

MY LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

I FALL UPON MY KNEES, I WORSHIP YOU MY KING;

AND MY LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

(CHORUS) GOD OF GLORY, AWESOME, HOLY; HIGH ABOVE ALL ELSE!

HOLY, HOLY, YOU ARE HOLY; THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU!

2) I OFFER YOU MY LIFE; AS A LIVING SACRIFICE

AND MY LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

TAKE MY BODY, TAKE MY WILL, AND I WILL PRAISE YOU STILL;

AND MY LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER WITH YOU.

(REPEAT CHORUS AND GO TO BRIDGE)

(BRIDGE) STANDING IN YOUR PRESENCE, BOWING AT YOUR FEET;

ALL I WANT IS MORE OF YOU!

LORD, I LONG TO SEE YOU, WANT TO KNOW YOU MORE;

THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, "COME!"

3) I’M GOING TO RUN THE RACE, MOVING ON IN FAITH

AND MY LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

YOU ARE FAITHFUL THROUGH THE YEARS, YOU WIPE AWAY MY TEARS;

AND MY LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER WITH YOU.