To Die in the Lord

   “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13)

   The passage applies to two precious souls: WARREN WILDMAN and LINDA FLINN. Both of these faithful ones departed this time-world within the last month: Warren on June  June 11, 2021, and Linda on June 17, 2021. It was my distinct pleasure to know them, worship with them and learn from them. Neither of them desired flattery in their lives; both lived humbly and reverently; both on farms, both involved mightily in the work of our Lord.

   Warren was not an outspoken man, but none doubted his convictions. He was firm in his discipline both of his family and himself. He met physical and mental challenges with equal determination to “figure it out” and “not let it win.” His demeanor exhibited steadfastness: I learned from his example!

   Linda was the esteemed matriarch of her family. Having raised four children, and subsequently engaged in the raising of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Linda’s priority was always the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Her insistence upon God’s authority for all that is said or done (Col. 3:17) was astute. I learned from her to have greater respect for such dedication to truth and righteousness.

   While both obituaries listed their temporal accomplishments, they listed a much more valuable reality of these souls: both had obeyed the gospel of Christ and were faithful in His service. Regardless of what other accomplishments one gains in this time-world, without being a Christian, a child of God, life has no meaning! Both Warren and Linda loved life and enjoyed the temporal blessings God afforded them. Yet, they would eagerly declare the greatest of all are the spiritual blessings found only in Christ.

   Both of them treated me with great kindness and respect, and they extended the same to my family. That generous gift remains of immeasurable value to me! As I reflect on these two souls, I muse on the lasting impact of their examples, the inherited teaching left to their children and grandchildren, and the hundreds of ones like me who profited from their influence. I thank God for folks like Warren and Linda … and pray that when it is my time to depart this time-world, I too will have influenced those around me to seek first His kingdom and righteousness above all else!