Comfort vs. Truth

I apologize in advance as I know this pondering may upset some people. That is not my intent. I believe that if someone may be jeopardizing the intimacy of their walk with God, then we should desire to help them get back on track. I have heard many people speak of loved ones that have passed away as if they were still watching over them. The first thing I want to say is that humans that die do not become angels. Angels are one type and humans another. A human can no more be an angel than a human can give birth to a dog. They are not compatible and have different purposes. If we die, having faith in Jesus, we are promised perfect unity with God as He created us to have in the beginning. Angels on the other hand (according to Hebrews 1:14), “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” The second thing is that those that have died are not watching over us. The Bible says we die once and then face judgement. No intermediate job or function. Also, in heaven, there is no more weeping, pain, or suffering. How could one in heaven look at earth and not feel pain and sorrow. It is understandable, shortly after a tragic loss, to struggle with letting go and desiring to still be connected more intimately than just memories, but it doesn’t make it true or right. Why am I bothering to write this? We unknowingly exchange the worship and attention that we owe God toward “false hopes”. When I am thinking of loved one’s watching over me, I am replacing the function of the angels, and more importantly, I am not honoring God as I should. He says, “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other God’s besides me.” That means not looking to idols, or angels, or anything else that gets our worship and devotion. Also, loved ones do not return in any other form. They do not come back as ghosts or wander the earth because they have unfinished business. We are specifically told not to consult the dead. They do not take on the form of cardinals, hummingbirds, or butterflies. We have our memories to comfort us and stir our hearts. If we need someone watching over us, Scripture points to the Holy Spirit. It is ok to deeply mourn their loss, but our hope is in Christ. Father, help us to mourn those we have lost. Give us faith to see our comfort comes, not from the world, but from Your presence. Amen