“Some people live a long life. Others live a life well-lived.” This was stated by my minister, Bro. David Jones, Jr. during a eulogy he gave recently. It was for a 37-year-old son, father, Christian, and friend to many. He died tragically, overcome by carbon monoxide fumes as he was doing his job as a self-employed carpet cleaner.
With close to 2,000 people in attendance at the funeral, it was obvious that he was a well-loved and admired human being who gave so much of himself to others.
As I reflected on Bro. Jones' words, I realized that many of us never think about our own mortality.
As Christians, we know its God’s Plan for us all to cross the “Finish Line”of this existence, called Death, in order to be with HIM in Heaven for eternity. Satan loves to make us think we are meant to live forever and to fear death.
I have also come to realize that funerals are for those of us who are still here.
Question: Have you ever wondered what your funeral will look like?
How many people’s lives have you so-positively impacted that they will grieve your absence?
LIFE is truly NOT about:
- How many sales you made;
- How many "friends" you have,
- How many famous people you have met;
- Promotions you earned;
- Raises you received;
- How big & nice your house is,
- New cars you bought;
- Designer purses & clothes you own;
- Performances you gave;
- Hit Songs you sang:
- How much weight you lost;
- Awards you received.
When I see the latest escapades of entertainers like Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber, I quietly think sadly to myself, “God has blessed them both with talent & exposure to help others. Satan has a grip on them, making them believe they are invincible and their lives are ‘All About Me.’" I pray that we all come to the realization soon that God expects us to use the "gifts" he has given each and everyone of us to GLORIFY HIM and to help others.
What will people say about you? What do you want your legacy to be?
Is your life making a difference or are you just living “the good life?”
Actually…it’s the small things you do that can positively impact other’s lives. Simple, private gestures, include:
- A smile,
- A hug or a pat on the back,
- A kind word,
- Helping someone to LOL! (Laugh Out Loud),
- Paying for someone’s meal at a restaurant or a drive-through window,
- Sending someone a greeting card,
- Stop talking and just LISTEN,
- Praying deeply & deliberately for someone,
- Giving someone a compliment,
- Holding the door open for someone,
- Giving an elderly or disabled person your seat on a bus or train,
- Anonymously donating to a food bank, mission, or homeless shelter—other than Thanksgiving or Christmas.
We should change our focus from “impressing man” to “impressing GOD.”
Are you striving to live “a long life or a life well-lived?”…
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