How Remembering Mortality Leads to Gratitude (7 Minute Prayers): Day 78

Do you spend time thinking about your mortality? If you do, does it fill you with gratitude?

 

If you’re like most modern Christians, you spend as little time as possible thinking about death. Unless you’re an estate planner, pastor, doctor, or mortician, you likely don’t spend a lot of time even thinking about mortality. Our youth-driven culture keeps us in the constant pursuit of life through technology and science.

 

Todd Billings, a pastor and theologian, found this thought pattern disrupted by a diagnosis of incurable cancer. In his book, The End of the Christian Life, Billings calls us to embrace our mortality in our daily life and faith. He says, “This is the journey of genuine discipleship, following the crucified and resurrected Lord in a world of distraction and false hopes.”

 

Memento Mori: Remember death

The latin phrase memento mori means to “remember death.” It reminds us that we are mere mortals and to never get too big a view of ourselves. It’s also a tremendous reminder to cherish every moment.

 

The phrase originated when victorious Roman generals returned from battle. While they walked the streets—receiving the adulation of the crowds—a servant followed the general and whispered, “Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!” Translated, this means, “Look behind you! Remember that you are but a man! Remember that you will die!”

 

3 Ways to Remember Death that Lead to Gratitude

Contrary to our modern aversion to discussing death in a meaningful way (outside of dramatized news reports and movies), there is tremendous benefit that comes through thoughtful remembering. Here are three ways...

 

Show notes: https://maninthepew.com/gc78