November 2001
“Oh, To Be Remembered Like That”
“Wouldn’t we love to be remembered like that.” The hopeful comment came from the distinguished looking lady who sat behind us at the Memorial Service of Ervin Olson. Truly, the service had spoken of Ervin in light of his many years of commitment and love that had been given to his family (92 years), his community (92 years), his church (92 years), and his Lord. But the response spoke the truth of the yearning from that lady’s heart. “Well, you know, we have a lot to do with how we are remembered.” The whole scene struck a chord in my heart and begged the immediate question, “How do I want to be remembered?” “What kind of legacy am I engraving on the hearts of those who know me best?” In Proverbs 20: 6-7 we read:
Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but a faithful man who can find? A righteous man who walks in his integrity - blessed are his sons after him!
The service had been a wonderful reflection of Jesus Christ being lived out. Pastor Rob used one word to describe a man who had farmed the land until he was 88, who lived in the same house that he was born in for 92 years, who read from God’s Word until his Bible fell apart and who lived a consistent life of faith. That word was “faithful”. Faithful is an interesting word. Even though it is not a high motion or action word, like running or climbing or jumping, a person being faithful is bursting with action.
Faithfulness speaks of working when you want to quit, loving when you want to ignore, serving when you want to be served, and staying committed when you lose hope. It shouts of keeping your eyes focused on the Lord even when the waves of life are lapping at your neck.
Be assured, faithfulness is not something we can do on our own. God’s power coupled with a willing spirit brings the fruit of faithfulness. We can only be faithful because God empowers us to reflect his faithfulness.
How do we want to be remenbered? Steve Green sang a song by Jon Mohr that reflects the prayer of my heart.
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful,
May the fire of devotion Light their way.
May the footprints that we leave,
Lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
As you consider the legacy of your life, be encouraged, you can begin today to act faithfully. It’s a choice only you can make. Thank you to Ervin Olson and all who have left a legacy of faithfulness. It encourages us to remember that we too can impact the next generation for Jesus Christ.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Craig |
