However, in today’s world, there are practical, earthly matters that intensify the sting of death for those left behind. There are stings still related to death. Burying a loved one can be a complex and confusing matter that feels like an intrusion in one’s time of grieving. The good news is that there are several ways to take care of these practical matters surrounding death ahead of time so those you leave behind will be more able to mourn in peace.

The Lord Jesus has taken away the sting of death through his resurrection. Believers know that for all who are in union with Jesus, their bodies will be united to Christ after death and they anticipate the hope of the resurrection. The sting is gone. The last enemy is defeated. Death has no victory over the believer.

All of this is true in a spiritual sense—death has lost its sting, victory over death has been won. Death no longer holds us captive, but as a pastor for nearly a decade, I have observed that death and the trials and sorrow surrounding it have stings that catches many families by surprise. We never know when we will be called out of this life. Middle-aged men die; children die; old people die. Unless Jesus returns, we will all die.

There will be mourning; the sting of death will bring pain. But trust me in this—if you are in Christ, the mourning will be only here on earth; you will be face-to-face with your precious Savior, Jesus Christ.

However, in today’s world, there are practical, earthly matters that intensify the sting of death for those left behind. There are stings still related to death. Burying a loved one can be a complex and confusing matter that feels like an intrusion in one’s time of grieving. The good news is that there are several ways to take care of these practical matters surrounding death ahead of time so those you leave behind will be more able to mourn in peace.

The business of death in the United States costs families left behind $20 Billion each year. A traditional funeral will cost your loved ones around $10,000. The cost of death—and its sting to your loved ones—is increasing more and more. According to a 2014 Forbes Magazine article, “In 1960 the average cost of a funeral was $706 when only 3.56% of bodies were cremated. Today, with about 42% cremated, the average traditional funeral costs between $8,000 and $10,000. The U.S. funeral industry accounts for about $20 billion in annual economic activity.”

What can be done to help take the sting from death? Following are three areas–three stings–where you can reduce the sting from your family and church community.

Buy the Box

Death is a business. If you have not made plans with your local funeral home and cemetery, your family will be left with the burden of paying for and deciding upon major financial decisions while under great emotional stress. This ought not to be. If you are able to make arrangements beforehand, please do this.

Personally, I like the pine box option. And a “green” burial saves thousands of dollars if allowed by your state. For myself, I don’t think that I need the Cadillac of caskets as I await the resurrection of the dead.

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