Tuesday, December 23, 2008

What Will You Leave Behind?

"But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." -- Benjamin Franklin

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." -- Old Indian Saying

"If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he's dead, then maybe he was a great man." -- James Dean

Death is a certain -- we will all die. But what will we leave behind?

For some of us, we are intent on leaving behind wealth -- money, stocks, bonds, land, and houses -- an accumulated fortune that will provide for our family. For others -- leaving behind a good name, a reputation for honesty, decency, kindness, and generosity is the most important thing. While yet others might want to leave behind monuments dedicated to all their good deeds and accomplishments.

All these are well and good, but all of these legacies end for that generation when that generation passes. It's just the way it works.

St. Paul reminds us "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

The only eternal we experience is eternal life in Christ. One great gift we can leave behind for the next generation is a witness to our faith: a life spent walking with Christ, words of God's love spoken to our family and friends, deeds that match our faith. We can witness to our faith and pass that on - what a great gift that is!

4 comments :

Anonymous said...

I beleive I have determine when the Last Day will be: It will be after the hour, the minute, the least instant of time that God provides Christians to witness to unbelievers. Matthew 28:18-20

The Layman said...

We should live life to leave the memory...."He led by example" I have recently seen my oldest son to be elected as a Elder in our congregation. What a change it was for me as I remember my attitudes for my youthful highschool days. Yes indeed the Lord chooses who He will when He will.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the eternal perspective and Amen to the witness as all else is perishing. His mansions and life with Him and the Saints is much to look forward to after serving here with faith, hope, and love, and service. No thing is necessary for me to take along; family, friends, and other called and adopted ones by the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ are the cherished ones I want to share eternity with. No need for a Ford Crown Victoria anymore, my one and only one in my 50s. A bus might be nice to have there as tour bus rides I'd like to volunteer for!

Anonymous said...

I like the Indian saying alot.When I know my time is near I shall give all who love me 2 days to morn,including my self. Than we will be happy and talk about all that is to come to me in heaven.What a great thing to look forward too ?