In my part time work in a financial planer’s office I sometimes hear phone conversations between one of our customer service reps and fund companies. One of the questions that still catches my attention is when our rep asks the vendor if the particular product they are discussing has “an enhanced death benefit?”
I shake my head and smile. I don’t know how the vendor replies, but my answer every time wihtout fail is YES! I have an enhanced death benefit – and it is called Heaven with Jesus!
Occasionally when someone has asked how I was doing I would reply something to the effect of, “It’s been a hard day, but it beats the alternative.” One day it struck me how absolutely untrue that statement is for those who know Jesus Christ, so I no longer answer that way. The absolute best day of my life on this earth cannot begin to compare what I will experience upon entering the pearly gates and meeting my Savior and Lord face to face (or more likely face to feet as I fall on my face before Him!)
The reason I love and follow Jesus though, is not just because I have “an enhanced death benefit.” I also have an enhanced life benefit. Yes, Jesus took my sin (and yours) upon Him when He died, so I was no responsible to pay that penalty. By rising from the dead, and giving me His Holy Spirit as a seal on my heart and life, He made His life and power available to me each and every moment.
While the question my co worker asks a vendor strikes me funny, it is totally appropriate in the context of the office. What is really the silly sad reality is how often I, who know better, do not fully embrace the enhanced life benefits at my disposal.
. . . I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10b NASB
If this post sounds like crazy talk to you, or has left you confused, please leave a comment. I’d like to interact with you about this!