Will You Die To No One's Regret?

“Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king; he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. He died to no one’s regret and was buried in the city of David but not in the tombs of the kings” (II Chron. 21:20). Did the Bible really say what I just read? Yes, it did. It said plainly: “He died to no one’s regret…”

What do you want said at your death? Of all the things you may want said, you do not want anyone to say the words of this Scripture: “He died to no one’s regret.”

As a pastor, U.S. Army chaplain and minister, I have stood at many gravesites, hoping for some words of comfort to bring to a family. Most of the deaths were not problematic because the loved one’s life was a Christian life. However, on occasion, if the truth be known, some days I have been at gravesides when the words could be said, “He died to no one’s regret.”

We write our own eulogy, even today. Printed obituaries often tell us of the deceased relatives, business, civic honors and other accomplishments. Yet if the truth be known, did this person have any positive, lasting impact on anyone’s life? Did he die to no one’s regret?

— This is an excerpt from a new book that is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2022 by Dr. Tony Cleaver. The current working title of the book is, “Life Coaching: From the Historical Books.”