What will be written about you when you die?
Even though I am heavily involved in the use of electronic devices, the internet, and social media, I still like to read the newspaper. In yesterday’s edition of our local paper, two articles caught my attention. One was the obituary of a decorated veteran who served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. As I read about his military accomplishments and grit to overcome being severely wounded in combat, my heart swelled with patriotic pride! And then near the end of this long obituary was this sentence, “He was a member of __________________ Church.”
From there, I turned to the Sports section and read the lengthy article concerning the passing of the legendary basketball coach, Dean Smith. I remember watching him coach the Tar Heels all the way back to the days of Charlie Scott, Mitch Kupchak, Phil Ford, George Karl, Bob McAdoo, and Tommy LeGarde and the famous “Four-Corners Offense.” There is no doubt that Coach Smith was one of the best to ever coach basketball. As I read on into the article, I came upon some information that really grieved my heart. His life was also given to support vocally and financially some causes that are not biblical, even though he was a member of a Baptist church.
As I look in the mirror today, I know that one day, if Christ does not return before, I will die and an obituary will be written about me. I have blemishes in my life. How thankful I am for 1 John 1:7-9 that reminds me, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I need the power of the Gospel every day; I am a man in desperate need of grace each day. But today, I must be living with the finish line in mind, the Bema (2 Corinthians 5:10), and the resolve of Paul who said, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
What will be written in your obituary? The purpose of this whole post today is wrapped up in the words of missionary statesmen, C.T. Studd:
“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
From A Pastor's Heart 