The Last Words of An Atheist

By Justin Gray

I

’ve often wondered what the last words of an Atheist would be. As they lie helplessly upon their bed, writhing in pain or slowly withering away as death creeps over them. What happens when they are faced with the rigid finality of death and the potential annihilation of their being?

If there were someone dear to listen, what would they say? The words "I love you" would seem most appropriate. However, such a statement would imply that love transcends life and there are no transcendent realities according to the Atheist. For him, love does fade with the lover. And even if they should decide to persist in love, how can they be assured that it would endure beyond their demise? That would require faith, and faith is for the foolish. “I love you” just doesn’t work.

What words, if any, could force their way through the harsh philosophical matrix of the Atheist to touch the one who attends their bedside?

I imagine that in this moment death makes a world once ripe with answers, seem shrunken beyond words.

For if “I love you” doesn’t work then what is left to say? To speak of any enduring virtues would be a lie, but to stare defiantly into the darkness saying nothing would be equally shameful. All the doors seem to slam shut on what can be said, however one possibility remains. They may dare to be honest.

“I love you, but soon I will love you no more. Love is only for this life, and so I must leave it behind. So enjoy love while you have it, because one day you will surrender it to death. Goodbye.” – the Atheist

1 Corinthians 13:13

Our Deep Secret

By Justin Gray

I

f we're honest, (honesty probably being the most elusive of all virtues) beneath the Band-Aid of our lives there is a blistering reality that plagues us. A tender wound we nurse grows deeper; and we know that no salve or bandage of our making is adequate for its healing. Oh how weary and cynical we have become because our energies fail us in treating this issue. Continually seeking refreshment and finding none.

Day after day we lift the cup of life to our lips, and are surprised by its bitter taste. Even moments of sweetness are fleeting and far too sporadic to bask in; much like the sun setting only minutes after it has risen.

This trouble in our souls is such a painful puncture.

Always trying to clothe our consternation, but the changing season dictates our attire and inevitably the wound is exposed once again. 'I'm doing fine' is but a conditioned response used to draw the attention of others away from our plight, and we also find the question 'how are you doing?' equally as superficial.

It seems as if no one really knows us. 

Does anyone care to know us?

When will this charade end?

Can’t they see that something is wrong?

These are the screaming questions we silence with a smile. And another day passes; and yet another. And time feels like a snowball becoming an avalanche sweeping over us, burying our pain even deeper.  A pain so deep and indescribable, we prefer that it go unnamed. If we dare name it, we may call this ‘our deep secret’, but its real name is ‘loneliness.’

God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing;

but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68:6

Living By Design

By Justin Gray

W

hen God gives us life, that life has purpose.  Our movement toward that ultimate purpose is the fulfillment of God's intention in creating us, and of our own desire for happiness.  Regardless of what we may desire for ourselves, fulfilling God's purpose is our greatest good.  To rebel against the purpose for which we were created is a violation of our design, and consequently an incredibly miserable condition. 

A man convinced he can fly will spread his arms and jump from a stool, and then a ladder, and then the roof of his home, until he attempts a height from which there is no recovery. There will be great frustration and pain until he accepts the fact that he is naturally destined to walk. 

He must not despise his legs, but rather yield to their function.  In the same way, we must yield to God's purpose for our lives.  With time, we will discover that fulfilling His design is a higher calling, much higher than any birds of the air.