Summary

The article discusses overcoming the fear of death by embracing a spiritual perspective that views death as a transition to another form of existence, drawing on personal experience and biblical teachings.

Abstract

The author reflects on the unexpected death of their father and the comforting realization that his essence was not present in his physical remains. This experience leads to a discussion on the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul regarding death as a passage to an afterlife, suggesting that death's power is diminished for those who believe. The article outlines ten consequences of this perspective, including a reduced fear of death, a shift in life's focus towards eternity, and a change in how one values time and the opinions of others. These insights aim to guide readers towards living a (mostly) fearless life, emphasizing strength, hope, and the potential for a significant impact on the world.

Opinions

The author believes that death is not the end of existence but a transition to another realm, as hinted by the feeling of absence at the father's funeral.
Jesus' teachings are presented as a source of comfort, promising a prepared place in the afterlife, which aligns with the author's experience of their father's passing.
The Apostle Paul's view on death is echoed, suggesting that death's sting is removed for believers, which transforms how one perceives and lives life.
The article conveys that a biblical understanding of death leads to ten life-altering consequences, such as living beyond the present life, fearing neither death nor those who can harm us, and viewing every decision with an eternal perspective.
The author emphasizes that the death of a loved one can lead to personal growth and strength, and that living fearlessly is achievable with divine assistance.
The text suggests that readers should focus on living a life of purpose and impact, rather than being preoccupied with the fear of death or the transient judgments of others.

How to Live a (Mostly) Fearless Life

Ten consequences to conquering the fear of death

My dad died on February 25, 2017. It was unexpected. I dreaded the funeral. The moment I dreaded most was seeing him in the casket for the first time. But, I needed to be there for my Mom, so I held her hand and together we peered down at him. It was the strangest thing — He wasn’t there. His body was there. But, Dad was missing. I had an overwhelming sense that Dad was gone — that he was still alive somehow, but that he wasn’t in that room, and he certainly wasn’t in that casket.

Dad’s earthly container fell apart, but just before it collapsed, Dad slipped out and went to live somewhere else. What I thought was going to be the most stressful moment, turned out to be the most comforting.

Jesus on death

The night before his death, knowing what lay ahead, Jesus said –

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms … I am going there to prepare a place for you …” (John 14:1–2, NIV).

That’s what happened to Dad. He slipped out of his earthly container and went to check in to his room. The Apostle Paul faced death numerous times and this is what he said about it —

“Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting? (1 Cor. 15:55, NIV).

Paul stares death in the face and says, “Is that all you got?” His questions point to the destruction of the power of death. Death is still a reality. It still happens.

My Dad experienced it and so will you and I. But death no longer has a bite. It has no power over your ultimate destiny. If you believe this — then you no longer live as if headed for death because the physical process of dying becomes nothing more than a speed bump in your existence.

Ten consequences of the death of death

“…by his death he [Jesus] might break the power of him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Heb. 2:14–15, NIV).

This biblical view of death has ten powerful consequences for the way you live your life today:

You no longer live for this life only.
You are no longer afraid of the process of death.
You are no longer afraid of those who can hurt you in this life.
You begin to see eternal potential in every part of creation.
You appreciate what you have now.
You understand that the way your life plays out is not the end.
You begin to see every decision from a perspective of eternity.
You have amazing hope for this world.
You know that you don’t have plenty of time — you have exactly the right amount of time.
You care less what people think about you and more about what they need from you.

Thought Questions

Do any of these resonate with your experience?

Have you ever had an “overwhelming feeling of comfort” moment after having lost a loved one?

If you’ve ever lost a parent, spouse, or sibling — how has that experience made you stronger?

Living a fearless life is not always easy, but with the help of God, you can live with strength and power and make a big impact on the world.