Daily Devotional January 27, 2021

Yesterday, I drove to Waco to bury a friend I hadn’t seen in fifteen years.  He died of COVID-19 related issues.  He is not the first COVID patient I have buried and he won’t be the last.  Norman was a very good man and I made sure the congregation knew my opinion.  Theirs was the same.  This got me thinking. 

Someday, there will be a memorial service for me.  It won’t be a funeral because I intend to be cremated so my lifeless body does not take up precious land until Jesus returns.  Also, I don’t see the reason to spend unnecessary money on preparing my body, and putting it in an ornate box. 

At my memorial service, the pastor will say the predictable comments regarding me preaching the greatest sermons in the history of sermons, my devastatingly good looks, and my exceptionally brilliant mind.  That’s to be expected.  But is that how I really want to be remembered?

What matters most is whether or not I loved God and how I treated others.

At the end of my life, I hope I followed God’s call and claim for my life and was a good husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, and pastor.  What really matters is how I loved.

In defining what matters most, Paul does not say it’s building cities, amassing fortunes, or any other imaginable accomplishment.  Paul was convinced our highest, purest calling was love.

This is what he meant by saying, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

So, today, in the midst of the busyness of the moment, choose to really love those you encounter.  Let that be your lasting legacy.  That’s how we will change the world.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I pray that all my decisions, thoughts, words, and actions are a reflection of my love for you.  Let me shine your light into this desperate, hurting world.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

In a few generations, each of us will be nothing but distant memories.  How do you want to be remembered?

Today’s a new day.  Make it count.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins