Gospel

The One Thing You Must Do Before You Die

by Brother Carlton 
02/23/25
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In the hustle and bustle of life, people chase many things—success, wealth, relationships, experiences—but in the end, none of these define the true purpose of life. The one thing you must do before you die is to examine your life. As the ancient philosopher Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Without deep self-reflection, we risk drifting through life without truly understanding who we are, why we are here, and what our eternal destiny will be.

The Call to Examine Yourself

This concept of self-examination is not just a philosophical idea—it is a biblical command. The Apostle Paul urged believers to take this seriously when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV), “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

Paul's warning is striking. Many people assume they are in right standing with God, yet they are spiritually blind to their true condition. They may follow religious traditions, attend church, or even live outwardly moral lives, but without a genuine, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, they are spiritually dead. Self-examination is essential to ensure that our faith is not superficial but deeply rooted in the truth of the Gospel.

The Story of Paul: A Life Transformed Through Self-Examination

One of the most profound examples of self-examination in the Bible is found in the life of the Apostle Paul. Before his conversion, Paul—then known as Saul—was a Pharisee, highly educated in Jewish law and zealous for the traditions of his ancestors. He sincerely believed he was serving God by persecuting followers of Jesus, but in reality, he was blind to the truth.

In Acts 9:3-6 (KJV), we find the pivotal moment in Saul’s life. As he traveled to Damascus to arrest Christians, a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Confused and shaken, he responded, “Who art thou, Lord?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Trembling and astonished, Saul asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” And Jesus instructed him to go into the city, where he would be told what to do.

Blinded by the light, Saul was led into Damascus, where he spent three days in darkness, neither eating nor drinking. This period of blindness was symbolic—it represented his need to examine his life and recognize his spiritual blindness. Through God’s grace, Ananias, a follower of Jesus, was sent to restore Saul’s sight. When Ananias laid hands on him, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again—both physically and spiritually.

Paul’s self-examination led to complete transformation. The persecutor became the preacher. The man who once sought to destroy the church now became its most passionate advocate. He went on to spread the gospel throughout the known world, writing much of the New Testament and leaving a legacy of faith that continues to impact millions.

What Should You Examine?

Self-examination involves looking at the core of your beliefs, values, and actions. Here are key areas to reflect on:

1. Your Relationship with God

Have you truly surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? Do you have a personal relationship with Him, or are you just going through the motions of religion? Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) that many will call Him “Lord” but will be rejected because they never truly knew Him. Making peace with God is the most crucial step in self-examination.

2. Your Purpose and Calling

Are you fulfilling the purpose God created you for? The Bible says in Ephesians 2:10 (KJV), “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” If your life feels aimless, perhaps it’s time to seek His will and align your actions with His divine plan.

3. Your Love and Relationships

Do you genuinely love others as Christ commanded? Have you forgiven those who have wronged you? Love is the hallmark of true faith (John 13:35 (KJV)). If bitterness, resentment, or selfishness characterize your relationships, it’s time to make things right.

4. Your Heart’s Condition

Are you growing in faith, or have you become spiritually complacent? The Bible warns against having a lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:15-16 (KJV)). Are you passionate about God’s word, prayer, and obedience to Him, or have you become indifferent?

5. Your Eternal Destination

Have you thought about what happens after death? Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This life is temporary, but eternity is forever. Ensuring that you are truly in the faith means securing your eternal destiny in Christ.

The Next Step: A Heartfelt Response

Once you’ve examined yourself, what’s next? True self-examination should lead to action. If you find areas where you have strayed, repent and turn to God. If you’ve never truly surrendered to Christ, now is the time to do so. The Bible promises in Romans 10:9 (KJV), “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Before you die, make sure you have done the most important thing—examined your life, turned to Christ, and secured your eternity. Nothing else matters more.

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers business coaching and inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.