I scanned through our community newspaper and noticed an obituary for an elderly lady. Since she was part of our community, I read through the notice to see who she was and what she had done. It was a standard list of where she was born, what school she attended, where she had worked, who she had married and the family members she left behind.
The notice also listed some community programs she had been part of. She seemed to have been a valued member of society, whose presence will be missed. The picture of the smiling older lady, made her seem to be someone you would have liked to be your neighbor or part of your family. The notice didn’t mention a religious affiliation, but her funeral will be held in a local Church.
I realize these notices aren’t meant to tell everything about a person. A grieving family member probably had to fill out a form with the information they knew. Not criticizing their effort, but it didn’t seem like much of a final tribute for a loved one. Knowing what was important to her and the long-term impact she left behind, should be the emphasis of her life’s story.
I would like to have seen, “She is rejoicing in Heaven with JESUS who forgave her sins! Seeing her living witness, her husband accepted JESUS and is with her in Heaven. Her house was a place of love and warmth for her family, friends and loved ones. She trained up her children in the way they should go, and they call her blessed. When she spoke, the wise listened and heeded her words. Her generosity touched the lives of the poor, and needy. Her prayer closet was a battleground that made demons tremble. We will miss her, but she is resting in the arms of JESUS.”
We want to be like that, but how is it possible? We are so imperfect and have failed so many times! We can only live like that because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Accept JESUS as your Savior and you can walk in forgiveness now and spend an eternity in Heaven when you die. The fear of the LORD will make you wise and reading GOD’s WORD will renew your mind. With the HOLY SPIRIT you can walk in power and victory. With GOD’s help, you can share His love with a lost and dying world.
Is there anything else? Yes! If anyone tells you how great you are, give all the glory to GOD! You see the tribute belongs to the LORD!
Wayne Lance (2018)