"There Will Be No Visitation or Service"

By Bill Brandstatter     I have read in some obituaries the following statement: “There will be no visitation or service.”  I wondered why that was the case.  I know that sometimes there is no service because of cost factors.  Others prohibit visitation because of the wishes of the deceased or the family.  I then thought about my life.  Would there be any visitation or services when I die?  Certainly, my wife and family will have a say in that matter; but there are some things I might want to look at.  The Psalmist tells us that “We spend our years as a tale that is told.”  (Psa. 90:10 KJV) What kind of tale are we telling?  It is true that we are writing our own obituary every day we live.  Will that obituary read “no visitation or funeral?”     I want my life tale to include some of the following:   How much did I love the Lord?  Was it just a love that would fit my own specific needs?  Did I love only those I wanted to and when it was convenient?  Was my love from the heart or just a “show” of love?  How much did I love the church?  Was I willing to do whatever I could to see it grow, or did I not want to get out of my comfort zone?  Did my attendance and my giving indicate my love?  How much did I love my brethren in Christ?  (Rom. 12:10) This would include people in the congregation I attend as well as those in other congregations.  This would also include those I don’t like or can’t get along with.  They have souls.  I need to love them for their soul’s sake.  What were my priorities in life?  Did I put family and friends ahead of church and the church family?  Did I obey God as He directed so that I can live on eternally?  Heb. 5:8, 9; Mark 16:16

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/