We can do all of the above, yet, we might be remembered for the little things we did or didn't do. Are you one who gossips about others? Do you run red lights, race through traffic, bad mouth the police in front of others? Are you truthful? Do you say one thing and then do another? Do you tell 'little white lies' for the truth? Do you pay your bills? Do you keep your promises, or are you the kind that makes a promise, and has no problem in breaking it? Are you a peaceful-type person, or are you angry most of the time? Is it easy for you to forgive and forget, or do you constantly bring up something that happened in the past?
We do want people to remember us when we are gone. But, what will they remember? Have we done our best to be of good character, compassionate to others, living a good life before others, and raising our children to respect us and others?
We can do all of the above, yet, we might be remembered for the little things we did or didn't do. Are you one who gossips about others? Do you run red lights, race through traffic, bad mouth the police in front of others? Are you truthful? Do you say one thing and then do another? Do you tell 'little white lies' for the truth? Do you pay your bills? Do you keep your promises, or are you the kind that makes a promise, and has no problem in breaking it? Are you a peaceful-type person, or are you angry most of the time? Is it easy for you to forgive and forget, or do you constantly bring up something that happened in the past?
We buried a close friend week before last. Looking in that casket, and the look on the face made you know she was happy at the moment she left this world! She had nothing to fear - no bad memories left behind. I've never heard her speak a bad word of anyone, and she always had laughter in her voice and a smile on her face. Her family and friends had the highest respect for her. With the turnout for the viewing (you could hardly get in the parking lot), and the eulogy and sermon during the funeral made you know that a saint had gone home!
Not many of us can say we've done everything right, or said the correct thing at any given time. But, we can learn to change our attitude, calm our out bursts, love more easily and openly (how long has it been since you held your spouse's hand for now reason?) , and be friendly, even if it hurts.
Jesus lived on this earth for only 33 years, but He left this life with no sin on His hands or no guile in His mouth. Oh, not everyone looked upon Him as a truthful man. Even today, you'll find those that want to call Jesus names, say He isn't what the Bible portrays Him to be. So, there are sure to be those that will find fault with our lives, now and after we leave this world. But, to yourself be true, love your family and friends, AND enemies, even when they persecute you. When you live the best life you know how, live a life of holiness and truth, you'll find that most people will remember the best of you. Those little trivial things won't matter. And, besides, when you've given your life to God, and live by His rules, then you have nothing to fear about what man may say.
Psalms 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Copyright 2005 by Barbara Sanders, Empire, AL. Used by permission.
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