"Let's Be Honest"

How Will You Be Remembered?

In the tapestry of life, each of us weaves a unique pattern with our actions, choices, and the impact we have on others. As we journey through our days, it's worth pausing to consider: How will we be remembered when our time on earth comes to an end?

The Bible offers us contrasting examples of legacies in the stories of two kings of Judah. In 2 Kings 23, we read about Josiah, a ruler remembered for his righteousness and devotion to God. The scripture tells us, "Like unto him was there no king before him that turned to the Lord with all of his heart and with all his soul and with all his might." Josiah's legacy was one of revival, obedience to God's word, and a life that pointed others towards faith.

In stark contrast, we learn of Josiah's son Jehoahaz, who "did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done." This sobering comparison reminds us that our actions and choices have consequences that ripple far beyond our immediate circle and time.

As we reflect on these biblical accounts, we're prompted to examine our own lives. Are we where we want to be with God? Is something hindering our spiritual growth? Have we become complacent in our faith journey? These are uncomfortable questions, but necessary ones if we truly desire to live a life that honors God and impacts others positively.

Consider the legacy of Ms. Glenda, a woman whose recent passing left an indelible mark on her community. She was remembered for her faithful service, particularly in teaching children about Jesus. Her impact was felt by generations, from adults like Bart Cater to young adults like Madeline, who still recalled the cheese balls and Coca-Cola shared after Sunday School lessons. Ms. Glenda's life exemplified how seemingly small acts of kindness and consistent faith can create a lasting legacy.

This brings us to an important realization: we often seek "big" ministries or grand gestures, overlooking the profound impact of faithfulness in small things. Whether you're a teacher, a lunchroom worker, or in any other profession, your daily interactions are opportunities to let the light of Jesus shine through you. People remember both the kindness and the unkindness they experience, sometimes for decades.

The apostle Peter, in his second epistle, provides us with a roadmap for living a fruitful Christian life. He urges believers to add to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These qualities, when cultivated, ensure that we will be "neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:8).

But Peter also warns against spiritual nearsightedness – a condition where believers lose sight of eternal matters, focusing solely on immediate concerns. This short-sightedness can lead to a forgetfulness of our salvation and a life that bears little fruit for God's kingdom.

So how do we avoid this pitfall and cultivate a life that will be remembered well? The key lies in maintaining fellowship with Jesus. Just as we miss the companionship of a loved one when they're away, our spiritual lives suffer when we neglect our relationship with Christ. This fellowship is nurtured through consistent prayer, Bible study, and a genuine desire to walk closely with God.

Many of us find ourselves constantly putting off spiritual growth or service, waiting for a less busy season of life. However, life only tends to get busier. We must realize that the time to act, to grow, to serve is now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and the opportunities we have today may not be available in the future.

Peter, aware that his time on earth was short, felt a deep responsibility to remind believers of these truths. He wrote, "I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth" (2 Peter 1:12). His goal was to stir up the faith of his readers, ensuring that even after his death, they would remember and apply these vital spiritual principles.

As we ponder our own legacies, let's ask ourselves some challenging questions:

1. Are we being good stewards of the time God has given us?
2. Are we faithful in our commitments to our local church, our families, and our ministries?
3. Are we allowing God to work through us, or are we relying solely on our own abilities?
4. Have we become spiritually drowsy, losing our passion for God and His work?
5. Are we short-sighted, focused only on immediate concerns rather than eternal matters?

The encouraging news is that it's never too late to start building a legacy that honors God. Whether you're in a season where Sunday morning church attendance is all you can manage, or you're feeling called to step out in faith for greater service, the key is faithfulness. Be faithful in what God has called you to do today, and be open to His leading for tomorrow.

Remember, we're not striving for perfection, but for progress. Each day is an opportunity to grow closer to Christ, to impact others positively, and to weave a pattern of faith, love, and service into the tapestry of our lives.

In the end, the most important thing is not what others say about us at our funeral, but what God says about us when we stand before Him. May we live in such a way that we hear those coveted words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Let us then press on, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. For in doing so, we not only secure a legacy worth remembering but also fulfill the purpose for which we were created – to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.