In Charlotte Brontë’s classic book Jane Eyre, Jane is an orphan being raised by a wealthy, but cruel, aunt named Mrs. Reed. Her aunt decides to send her to Lowood School which is run by Mr. Brocklehurst — a man who is even more cruel and hypocritical than her aunt. After her arrival, Mr. Brocklehurst asks Jane if she knows where bad girls go after they die. Jane frankly replies, “To Hell, Sir.” Whereupon Brocklehurst spits out: “And what do you plan on doing about it?” Jane cooly responds, “I plan to live a very long time, sir.”
There is another alternative. Jesus Christ came to deliver us from our sin and gave us the promise that he will also deliver us from our grave. Peter said, “When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3:26). You don’t have to live a long time here, you can live forever in the presence of God — all because Jesus lives.