If you ask most non religious people what the meaning of life would be, they would respond with things like this, “To live life to the fullest.” or “To have love, joy and peace.” or “To have fun while it last, then maybe I’ll think about if there is a God.”

Several weeks ago, Joli and I watched an old movie called, “All About Eve.” If you have not watched it, it is worth the time. Anyways, one of the non famous actresses (at this time in her career) was the young Marilyn Monroe. Some have claimed she was the most popular woman of the 20th century. After the movie, Joli and I looked her up on the web to read more about her so called “joy filled” life! She lived life to fullest until she died (probably by suicide) at the age of 36. I had no idea she was that young. She never really seemed to enjoy life, especially in light of her three failed marriages. Judy Garland, from the Wizard of Oz film also died at a fairly young age by committing suicide. Even before she took her life, she was know to be a very heavy drinker. Lastly, an agnostic park ranger my family knew while vacationing up in the Sierra Nevadas during my growing up years, Gary Ogden, took his life 4-5 years ago. This was one person that would have agreed with the above statements that one must live for himself, live life to the fullest and “eat, drink & be merry for tomorrow we will die.” This man hated the Gospel of Jesus Christ and tried everything he could do to put a damper on it. He seemed to love his life and lived a very self-centered and godless life. He was proud of his endeavors and God-hating “ministry.” He taught his anti-Christian religion by being a jr. college professor, and he seemed to really love it. However, Ranger Gary, in his mid fifties, became depressed. I can only guess why he was depressed. The things he held as very dear to his heart were beginning to fade away: his body was aging and his job at the Postpile had ended to name two. He began taking depression medication and then ended his life.

Proverbs 14:13 says, “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.” The three examples above are people that have lived everyday of their lives without trusting in Christ as their Lord and Savior. The entire book of Ecclesiastes deals with my examples by stating that if a person lives life life without God it is the vanity of vanities. Sometimes people may seem happy but inwardly they may have grief and need to hear the Gospel. My heart goes out to the many famous people who put on a smile, sign autographs and live in the spotlight until they die. Will they end their lives like Marilyn Monroe, or will they come and humble themselves by embracing the good news of Jesus Christ?

There is only one chance. The Bible has the answer for those whose hearts are full of sorrow. It must be an awful feeling for those who have left this earth without the hope of the Gospel? Everyone will face the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. Those who have the blood of Jesus poured out for them, will be declared righteous and the others will be found guilty. They will not be justified but will live in an eternal separation from the presence of God. We find this to be true just by reading Jesus’ parable in Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man & Lazarus). My hope is that I would never stop living for Christ and only love to proclaim His love to my neighbors as God gives me opportunities. God is so Good, and I hope those who are still living will taste and see that He is more than enough!