Why Don't We Talk About Death?

Alfred Nobel — the inventor of dynamite — once had the strange experience of reading his own obituary in the newspaper (after a paper mistakenly ran it when his brother died). What he read shook him so deeply that he changed the entire trajectory of his life and legacy. Today's devotional invites you into that same moment of reflection.

In this Colossians Bible study and devotional, we return to Colossians 3:1-2 and consider one of the most avoided topics in modern life — death — and why facing it honestly is one of the most life-giving things a Christian can do.

In this devotional, we explore:

→ The remarkable story of Alfred Nobel — reading his own obituary and changing his legacy forever
 → Paul's call in Colossians 3: set your heart AND your mind on things above
→ Why our culture avoids talking about death — and how this differs from Victorian England, where death was discussed openly but sex was not
→ The 19th-century book The Art of Dying — which went through 100 editions in 35 years
→ Why some Christians still have a strong aversion to conversations about death (and why that's worth examining)
→ Charles Spurgeon's beautiful line: "The best moment of a Christian's life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest to heaven"
→ The math of the average lifespan: about 30,000 days — some more, some less
→ Moses's powerful prayer in Psalm 90:12 — "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom"
→ Why death has lost its sting for those in Christ — and how this shapes how we live today
→ Paul's own testimony: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain"

Key takeaway: "When I die — and you will — what will my life have been about? What might I then wish I had done? And what prevents me from doing that with the time I have remaining?"

Whether you're searching for a devotional on Colossians 3, a Bible study on eternity and living with purpose, teaching on numbering our days, or a Christian perspective on facing death well, this devotional offers a thoughtful, honest, and hope-filled reflection on how to live in light of eternity.

📖 Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:1-2 + Psalm 90:12
🎯 Series: Colossians Devotional (Chapter 3)
⏮️ Catch up on previous parts if you're just joining us!
⏭️ Coming Tomorrow: We continue our journey through Colossians 3

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss a single devotional in this powerful walk through the book of Colossians. If this teaching encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that every day counts.

💬 Drop a comment below: If you read your own obituary today, what would you want it to say? And what's one thing you can start doing this week to live toward that?