“Memento Mori” is Latin for, “remember [that you have] to die.” It is used as a noun to refer to objects which warn, or remind of death. While it seems like an ominous and morbid term, it is greatly needed today, as has always been the case.

The Preacher wrote, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2). The value of one’s recognition of their own mortality cannot be overemphasized. The majority of the world lives as if tomorrow is certain, and their remaining amount of time on the earth is boundless, when in reality it is infinitesimal. The type of life which displays such vainglory is one which is purposed toward satisfying carnal appetites. John warned, “the world is passing away, and the lust of it” (1 John 2:17). To this point the apostle Peter wrote, “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).

Finally, the Hebrew writer asserted, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). So, when you open your eyes in the morning, see the light, smell the coffee, and enjoy your breakfast, “Memento Mori.”

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