Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed Author: Bronnie Ware Site: themindunleashed.org The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)

I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. Regrets for dreams unfulfilled due to choices made The loss of health limits opportunities But, do we have the right to live as we desire? (cf. John 9:1-5)

Galatians 1:9-10 “As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

I wish I didn’t work so hard. Especially aged men. A generation that highly valued work. A more simple life would get one off the treadmill of work, and able to enjoy life more fully Distinguish between a work ethic, and overvaluing work. (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8)

I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. Suppressed feelings to keep peace with others… Felt shortchanged. Illness from bitterness and resentment Is the key the free expression of such negative emotions, or dealing with them? (cf. Proverbs 12:16; 15:1)

Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. Caught up in life, lose old frienships. In the end, it all comes down to love and relationships! A great truth, but only if our friends are worthy companions! (Proverbs 18:24; 27:9-10)

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

I wish that I had let myself be happier. The comfort of the familiar kept them from pursuing happiness. Fear of change, concern for propriety, fear of what others might think. It is great to pursue happiness, but know where true happiness is found! (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3; Job 20:4-5)

Luke 16:24-25 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.

Conclusion As always the world misses what is most important as we live for the short time we have on this earth. It is not about getting the most out of this short existence. It is about ensuring we obtain the promise of eternal life following time here!