How to cope with impending expiry date?

Following is a conversation thread among a group of friends. 

V: bros how are you all coping with the nearing expiry date.

R: nearing ‘expiry date’? I’m looking for organ donors

V: Ha ha.

R: V, on a serious note, the % of days that I wake up and feel old is slowly increasing - constant aches and pains don’t help either.

R: And I keep thinking I should make a will one of these days before it’s too late.

V: Yes man and the news of apparently health folks dying of cardiac arrest in their 40s is not helping either.  Looking for some tips to cope

S: yes after u go. what if you are in hospital and funds are needed and you are not awake?

M: Cope with such news or cope with heart attacks? 😬

V: Open with the impending end… looks like none of you are effected or have come to terms

J: Does it really matter, V? The way I figure, may be 3 or 4 people would think of me for any period longer than a day or so after we kick the bucket, and after that, except for the inconvenience caused because of my death (outstanding debts, financial accounts not clearly delineated, retirement-related financial nominations and such) even the 3-4 people would feel my absence only when reminded by something we used to do for them - even if that is the dopamine (or cortisol :-) ) hit I provided when we did something together. May be better to try and live well while we do.

N: And maybe touch the lives of many more and make a difference in their lives with whatever means we have been endowed with

J: Just as long as one’s death doesn’t come as a relief to some of the living, all else is okay IMHO. :-)

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I was thinking about this conversation thread and was inspired to address this topic from a biblical perspective.

Problem Statement

The problem in simple words,

• We are facing midlife mortality honestly - aches and pains, news of sudden deaths, and the need to “set your house in order” (wills, medical decisions, finances).
• We are asking how to cope - emotionally, spiritually, and practically.
• We are wrestling with meaning and legacy -  Will anyone remember me? Does my life matter? How can I make a difference? How do I avoid being a burden?

Solution Approach from a Biblical Perspective

1. Face mortality with wisdom, not denial

• Scripture doesn’t minimize death. It urges sober reflection. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). “It is better to go to a house of mourning… for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
• Life is short and uncertain, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). This isn’t meant to paralyze us but to prioritize what matters.

2. Death is an enemy, but in Christ it’s a defeated one

• “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). Believers in Christ grieve, but differently with full of hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
• Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25-26). He frees us from being enslaved by the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15).

3. Live well now - faithfully, not frantically

• Our significance is not measured by how many remember us, but by faithfulness to God and love for people. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… You will receive an inheritance from the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10).
• Aim at goodness and justice: “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). “Let us not become weary in doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to all” (Galatians 6:9-10). We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

4. Plan responsibly, stewardship is love in practice

• Bible appreciates prudent preparation, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (Proverbs 21:5); “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks” (Proverbs 27:23-24). Hezekiah was told, “Put your house in order” (Isaiah 38:1).
• Providing for family is a moral duty (1 Timothy 5:8). Assets planning, clear nominations, and medical directives are practical ways of loving your people.
• On organ donation, Scripture does not speak directly, but loving your neighbor (Matthew 22:39; John 15:13) can support viewing donation as a generous act, if your conscience permits.

5. Steward your body without being ruled by fear

• Your body matters to God, “You are not your own… honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Sensible habits (sleep, movement, nutrition, checkups) are a form of stewardship, not a guarantee of control.
• When fear rises, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7); “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34); “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:6-7).

6. Attend to relationships and reconciliation

• As far as it depends on you, “live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). 
• Make amends and forgive quickly (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:32). 
• Better than hoping your death won’t be a “relief” is choosing to be a blessing now (Genesis 12:2; Acts 20:35).

Ways to cope with in light of these truths

Spiritual practices

• Daily “number your days” prayer (Psalm 90:12) and Psalm 23 or Psalm 73:26 for comfort.
• Practice short rhythm - Gratitude (3 things), Confession, Intercession, and Surrender (“My times are in your hands,” Psalm 31:15).
• If you believe in Christ, anchor hope explicitly in Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-58). If you’re exploring faith, read John 11 and 1 Corinthians 15 with a friend.

Relationships and legacy

• Have the conversations - apologies, forgiveness, “I love you,” “thank you.”
• Write an ethical will (your values, faith, stories, and hopes) alongside the legal one.
• Serve someone regularly - mentor, volunteer, encourage. Small, steady good outlives us (Galatians 6:9-10).

Practical stewardship (not legal advice - consult professionals)

• Make or update a will - name guardians if applicable, update beneficiaries on accounts.
• Set up a durable medical power of attorney and an advance directive.
• Keep a simple “in case of emergency” file - key contacts, policies, accounts, debts, passwords (secured), and wishes (including organ donation, funeral).
• Review basic protections - term life insurance (if dependents), adequate emergency fund.
• Tell your loved ones where these documents are and what your wishes are.

Health stewardship

• Regular checkups appropriate for your age and risk, know your numbers (BP, lipids, glucose).
• Sustainable habits - sleep, movement, whole-food nutrition, substance moderation, community, Sabbath rest.

How this speaks to each conversation thread comment?

• V’s “impending end” and news of sudden deaths - Scripture validates the weight of this (Ecclesiastes 7:2) and directs it toward wisdom rather than panic (Psalm 90:12).
• R’s aches and will-making - Bodies age (2 Corinthians 4:16), but hope endures; setting your house in order is wise love (Isaiah 38:1, 1 Timothy 5:8).
• S’s hospital/incapacity concern - Medical POA/advance directive is prudent stewardship (Proverbs 21:5).
• J’s “few will remember” and “live well” - Human remembrance fades (Ecclesiastes 1:11), but being known by God and faithful in good works is what ultimately counts (Hebrews 6:10, Colossians 3:23-24).
• N’s “touch the lives of many” - That’s exactly the call of believers in Christ (Micah 6:8, Galatians 6:10).
• M’s “cope with news or heart attacks?” - Both - grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), and steward your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

In summary,

• Number your days (honesty), 
• Anchor your hope (in Christ), 
• Love your people (relationships), 
• Do good steadily (purpose), and 
• Put your house in order (stewardship). 

This is a biblical way to cope with the “expiry date” - not by denial, but by wisdom, hope, and love.