Steve Jobs

I couldn't let the week run out without commenting on the passing of Steve Jobs. Here is a great quote from him from a speech he did in 2005:

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important." ~Steve Jobs 

He was an innovator that changed the way technology is done in the hands of the public.  Apple has been outstanding in bringing us gadgets that have set the pace for computer innovations for the past 20 years, and ended up having more capitol on hand than the US government.  Mr Jobs was the cornerstone of Apple's genius and all of us Apple users hope with his passing that Apple doesn't lose their standard of excellence. 

In all his contributions to our world, life ended for him early.  At 56, he still had many good years to enjoy his life and create more gadgets for all of us to use. Stephens quote listed above, is true for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. Even an atheist will come to this same conclusion, when facing death. Death is a game changer, and when you know your death is imminent, you cling to what is most important to you. However, knowing death now or later, doesn't really matter much, other than a time span.  Death is imminent for everyone sometime, and whether is is today or yet future, you need to know if the things you are clinging to will help you in eternity.  As wonderful as I think Apple products are, this won't be the basis for how eternity will go for mister Jobs, or any one of us for that matter.  The merits of the afterlife solely depends on how we spent this life in preparing for the next. Now that may sound funny to some of you, but think about it.  Our whole life we prepare for the future. We get an education, because of future employement, we take out mortgages to eventually own a home, we buy life insurance to insure a financial safety net for our loved ones in case of an early departure. Most of life is preparing for the future, yet in many lives, most people don't prepare for the greatest and longest duration of life, eternity.  If you or I had money to invest, we would chose an investment broker who had the best track record of making money for his/her clients. The last thing we would do is hire a broker who never makes money for the client.  In looking at eternity, most religions help us to live out our lives here, but have little assurance about where or how we will spend eternity.  All, except one. Christ gives us that assurance, because He died and came back to life.  Here is what Jesus said about himself.

John 11:24-25  24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in  the resurrection on the last day.”  25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, Now how's that for assurance?  Can it get any better than that?  Of course not. Now is that important to know in preparing for your death? I think it is.  Can you do this later, sure, but how do you know you will have a later? Death is sneaky, it happens when you least expect it.  Why not accept the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation based upon His track record and the evidence of His resurrection?  Keep in mind, that if you blow this one, you will have a long long time to think about your mistake.  Make it right the first time, believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and make eternity like an Apple computer, reliable and exciting.  Thank you Steve Jobs.  Grin...... Keeping it honest and truthful. K