This past week a friend of my wife and mine past away. He was in his early 50’s and as far as we know it was unexpected. Being in ministry, I have been to my share of visitations and funerals. Understandably we are sad when we lose someone that we care about because they leave a void in the place they once held. Sometimes we are relieved because they no longer suffer from pain and disease, yet there is still that void. Sadly, for some, we may even be glad they are gone because they may have been evil, such as Hitler, etc.
To me, I believe, you can tell a lot about the impact one has by the legacy they leave behind. How is the world a better place because of that person? I was at another funeral for a friend whose mother had passed away and he spoke about the “-“ in between the dates on the epitaph. The dash represents all that person has done in the time God gave them on earth.
At our friends funeral we spoke to a close friend and they said it took 30 minutes just to get in because of the number of people pay their respects because of the life he led touched so many in a good way. What an honor to have masses come to your funeral because of you made a difference in their lives.
What about you? How are we using the time God gives us here on earth? We are never promised tomorrow.
- James 4:13-15 (NIV) says: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead You ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
My prayer is that when I pass away that the world would be a better place because of what God was able to do through me.
- John 3:30 (NIV) He must become greater; I must become less.”
People would remember me as a man who loved the Lord and reflected Christ, was a good husband, father, relative, friend, Pastor, servant, etc. Without God we can do nothing and are nothing. Look at effect Christ had on the world. Look at what He did during His ministry while on earth. In three years He rocked the world. Through twelve ordinary, common, men He changed the world.
Now, what are you going to do while you’re here?
Pastor Steve
