When news broke that former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, many expected a quiet retreat from public life. Instead, Sasse chose a different path—one of radical openness. He began a podcast called Not Dead Yet, gave interviews, and shared his reflections on life, death, and faith. His example offers a powerful lesson for all Christians: how to live intentionally when time is short.
As the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV), “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” This call to redeem the time is not about frantic activity, but about prioritizing what truly matters: loving God, serving others, and preparing for eternity.
Sasse’s public witness reminds us that death is not a topic to be avoided, but a reality that can sharpen our focus on what is eternal. In his conversations, he often returns to the Puritan concept of “redeeming the time”—a phrase that captures the urgency and gratitude of a life lived for God’s glory.
The Gift of Today
In one of his most poignant interviews, Sasse described how his diagnosis has deepened his appreciation for ordinary moments: “The chance to hug on my wife this morning and to love my kids… these are the important things.” His words echo James 4:14 (ESV): “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
This perspective is not morbid; it is liberating. When we acknowledge our mortality, we are freed from the illusion that we have unlimited time. We can stop postponing forgiveness, gratitude, and acts of kindness. Sasse’s example challenges us to ask: If I knew I had only months to live, how would I spend my days? Would I cling to grievances, or would I embrace the people around me with renewed love?
For the Christian, every day is a gift from God. Psalm 90:12 (ESV) prays, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Wisdom begins with humility—recognizing that our time is in God’s hands, and that each moment is an opportunity to serve Him and others.
Faith in the Face of Suffering
Sasse has not shied away from the physical and emotional pain of his illness. He speaks openly about the “cloud of morphine” and the struggle to find meaning in suffering. Yet he consistently points to the hope of the gospel: that Christ has conquered death, and that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18).
This is not a simplistic “positive thinking” approach. It is a deep, biblical conviction that God is sovereign over suffering and uses it to refine our faith. As 1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV) says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Sasse’s witness reminds us that suffering is not meaningless. It can be a platform for testimony, a catalyst for growth, and a means of drawing closer to God. His willingness to share his journey publicly encourages others who are facing their own trials to seek comfort in Christ.
What Matters Most
As a former senator, Sasse spent years immersed in the world of politics. Yet in his final months, he speaks less about policy and more about people. He reflects on his roles as a husband, father, and friend. This shift is a powerful reminder that our most important legacies are not in the public square, but in the lives we touch.
Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Sasse’s journey embodies this: he uses his remaining time to serve others through honest conversation, encouragement, and prayer. He is not trying to build a monument to himself, but to point others to the hope he has in Christ.
For readers, this raises a practical question: What are you investing your time in? Are you building relationships that will last into eternity, or are you consumed with temporary pursuits? The Bible urges us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Sasse’s example shows us how to do that, even in the face of death.
A Call to Action
Ben Sasse’s story is not just about one man’s battle with cancer. It is a call for all of us to examine our lives in light of eternity. Today, take a moment to reflect: If you knew your time was limited, what would you change? Who would you forgive? What act of kindness would you perform?
As you consider these questions, remember the promise of John 11:25-26 (ESV): “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.’” Because of Christ, death is not the end. It is the doorway to eternal life. Let us live each day with that hope, redeeming the time for the glory of God and the good of others.
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