I visited with Bill McKinley just before he died. A winsome Christian, Bill served as Superintendent for the Christian Academy School System for fifteen years. In 1994, he moved from California to the Midwest to lead Christian Academy’s expanding ministry. He was passionate about Christian Education and determined to instruct teenagers on how to stand firm for God’s truth. Bill started a missions program at Christian Academy and accompanied high school seniors on over twenty mission trips to Russia. Under his direction, the Christian Academy School System became one of the largest Christian schools in the nation, growing from 481 students to over 3,000. Bill was loved and respected by faculty, students, and parents alike.
After his retirement, Bill was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia, and in recent years, his body gradually deteriorated. At 84 years of age, he knew his time was near. When I visited his home three weeks ago, I was greeted by his wife Theresa, who told me, “Bill’s so eager to go to heaven I don’t think he’s going to be around much longer.”
I rarely hear someone say, “He’s eager to go to heaven.” The Covid pandemic revealed that many churchgoers are terrified of dying. Many who were active in church for years have remained quarantined, more or less, since early 2020. Some seldomly come out of their house to this day! They don’t attend church, they refuse to eat in restaurants, and they won’t even celebrate holidays with their grandchildren. Plus, if they venture out, they wear a mask everywhere, including in a car alone!
Christ-followers should not have that amount of fear. We should not be terrified of death. Of course, God created us with a strong will to survive and live. We should value our health and not be foolish. However, we should not be overly anxious and petrified of dying. Hebrews 2:15 says Jesus came to “Free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Christians should not have a death wish but should be confident in the promise of eternal life after death.
Consider the Apostle Paul’s optimism as he was nearing death. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul faced death with the assurance that he would meet the Lord. He seemed eager to make that final journey and receive his reward. Likewise, our blessed assurance should eliminate a constant fear of dying and make each day more enjoyable.
When you first become a Christian, it would be normal to have a degree of fear about death and judgment. For instance, the Bible says, ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). However, as we mature in Christ, the scripture promises, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). So, we should reach the point where we are completely confident in Jesus’ promise, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Like the Apostle Paul and Bill McKinley, we should be so eager to meet Jesus that the fear of death no longer holds us hostage.
I don’t know many who look forward to long airline flights, even if that long flight is to Hawaii. Yet I know many who have been excited about vacationing there. The destination makes the long journey worth it. In the same way, I don’t know of anyone who looks forward to the process of dying. It may be uncomfortable and painful. Yet when you are confident in the eternal destination that awaits, where there are no tears, no death, no mourning, crying, or pain, it takes the fear out of dying.
The Apostle Paul caught a glimpse of heaven and wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). King David assured us the journey to heaven is not taken alone. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Bill McKinley died two days after I visited him. Matt Chalfant, former chairman of the Christian Academy School System board, said. “What impressed me most about Bill McKinley is he wasn’t impressed with Bill McKinley. He was truly a humble servant leader. After he retired, he believed in Christian education so much he came back as a substitute teacher – subbing two or three times a week.”
Matt added, “What a humble man! After serving as the primary leader, he became by far the favorite substitute teacher at CAL for ten years! Bill returned for sporting events, graduations, and band concerts. Students excitedly greeted him, ‘Hi, Mr. McKinley!’ They were 18, and he was 80, but he could connect with them because he had poured himself into them.”
One of Bill’s students wrote, “When Mr. McKinley is teaching, you know he is a man of God who cares about you and is sharing knowledge that will change your life.” My grandchildren agree. They loved Mr. McKinley!
In retirement, Bill McKinley not only served at Christian Academy, but he was also active in his church. He led a small group, taught an Adult Bible Fellowship class, and sang in the Master’s Men chorus. He knew he was saved by God’s grace and anticipated being rewarded for his lifetime of service. This is why when he could no longer remain active, he was ready for “departure.” And it is why his wife could say he was eager to see Jesus.
What about you?
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