The Death of Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein is dead; hanged by his countrymen for one of many crimes against his own people. Under Saddam, Iraq continually threatened neighboring countries, shook its fist in the face of the world, and killed many of its own citizens. Now the murderer has paid for his crimes with his own life.

His death by capital punishment is supported by the teaching of Scripture. Romans 13 is written in the context of a citizen’s responsibility to obey the government. In God’s plan the government’s role, in part, is to execute justice on evil doers. “But if you do evil, be afraid; for he [government – bh] does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Romans 13:4. Several other passages could be cited but such proof is not the purpose of this post.

As I looked at pictures of Saddam on the Internet I felt disturbed by his pending death. It isn’t that I felt that it was wrong for Saddam to die for his evil. I feel quite the opposite. Such punishment is fair and correct, especially in light of his crimes.

The reason I feel disturbed is because even though Saddam was an evil man, Saddam has a soul. He will be ultimately judged by God and will spend eternity dealing with the consequences of that judgment.

Death is very final. Upon death our opportunity for course correction is over. Our chance to right wrongs is gone. The chance for someone to influence a spiritual change in us is past. That disturbs me.

In a way, Saddam’s death sentence could have been a favor to him. He knew his death was eminent. He could make some final preparations and changes. Our own death may well come without any early warning such as in a car crash, a heart attack or a fatal gun shot.

Some say that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime. Each time I hear of a death sentence being carried out, I shudder a bit as I think about my own death. Am I ready? Are there things I need to resolve in my life? Have I adequately taught my children the important, spiritual lessons they need? Have I said what needs to be said to those around me who need encouragement to make some course correction themselves?

For me, capital punishment is a very sober reminder that we will never get out of this world alive. Death is certain and we must be prepared.

“…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Wealth

The United Nations recently released (2006) its study called, “The World Distribution of Household Wealth.” As best I can determine, household wealth is measured by summing up one’s total assets. That means adding together the value of your house, your cars, your savings accounts, retirement, etc.

Here are some conclusions I draw from the report. Since you are reading this blog, you are probably in the top 50% of the world’s wealthy people. That isn’t hard considering that you only need assets of $2,200 to qualify. Most reading this blog are in the top 10% of the worlds wealthy. To qualify for that rank your assets must total $61,000 or more. Some reading this blog are the top 1% of the world’s wealthy, having assets of $500,000 or more.

Since this blog attempts to address spiritual matters, what should we take away from this survey?

Be Thankful. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11). The Lord has tremendously blessed each of us. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Share. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16. In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul exhorts the rich, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” By using our blessing to help others we bring glory to God, the source of our wealth.

Have Humility. Our wealth can create distractions that become stumbling blocks in our service to God. The rich young ruler turned away from Jesus after being told to go and sell his goods and give to the poor. Jesus then said, “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Luke 18:25

Recognize God as the source of our wealth. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17. Such recognition will help us have a proper attitude in regard to our things.

To Those With Less. To those who do not have so much wealth, the Lord says, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:9,10.

To All. The conclusion of Paul’s admonition regarding wealth, or the desire for it, is “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11,12.