Last Words . . .

Have you ever given much thought to your last words? Our Sunday School lesson was on the last words of the Apostle Paul as he was awaiting his execution. He knew they were his last words and used them to encourage and uplift his fellow pilgrims in the journey. That has been almost two thousand years ago, and they are still ringing in the hearts of their readers.

Not all last words are good ones, as in the case of the Apostle Paul. Some people seem to always want to have the "last" word in discussions. In that case, it seems to be a power control issue and does no one any good.

A great majority of the time, one's last words are not recognized as that. Our last words are the last things that come out of our mouths before we take our final breath. The final breath moment is one that we really don't know of its exact time.

Most recorded last words happen while a person is on their "death bed" and family and friends are gathered around to be of comfort to the dying one as well as the loved ones. They are keenly aware of everything the soon departed says and usually record it in some fashion or other.

Unfortunately, most will not know when their words will be the last ones they utter. For that reason, words must be measured and treasured. Don't say anything for which you would have regrets later. We don't know when we or our loved ones will breathe their last breath or utter their last words. Life is to be treasured. Most importantly, according to the Bible, "Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to God."