A couple of years ago, I worked for a funeral home and cemetery. Needless to say, I attended quite a few funerals and I was introduced to the memories of many deceased people. I learned that one of the things people like to do at memorial services is to reflect on the positive aspects of their loved one’s life. So, when I heard a preacher or family member talk about the life of the departed one, I often wondered if that person was really like they said. Did the person do many good works throughout their lives? Did they leave a good legacy for others to follow?
So, how can we live fruitful lives and leave a good legacy? While many folks may be satisfied to live in the present with no thought of tomorrow, we need to live now with an eye on the future, all the way to eternity. If we do, we will begin to understand that God has a plan for our lives, here and now. He wants to produce His fruit in us and through us. He wants to use our lives to bring glory to Him and to bless other people’s lives. He wants to use us to lead others to faith in Christ. So, if we really want our lives to be meaningful and purposeful, then we start by offering ourselves to God for His purposes.
Then, once we get the long view of our short lives, we will want to discover His mission for each of us. Of course, we will use the Bible, God’s word, as our guidebook in this discovery.
For example, Jesus talked about the right conditions for discovering God’s plan for our lives. As He explained the Parable of the Sower, He revealed the right kind of “soil” that produces an abundant crop of good fruit. (Luke 8:15 NIV) But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Jesus is emphasizing the character that is necessary for us to be truly productive with our lives. We must have a noble and good heart that is receptive to God’s word, obedient to Him. And, we need faith to persevere throughout this life. That kind of endurance throughout the Christian life will produce a crop.
Jesus is teaching us that a noble and good hearted person will receive God’s word, retain it and allow it to work in his or her life. Thus, over time, God’s word makes the noble and good person more productive and fruitful—more valuable and meaningful in life.
What will our loved ones say about us at our memorial service? Can they honestly point to many good things we have done. Will we leave a good legacy of Christian service for others to follow?
Let’s renew our commitment to live for Christ. Let’s look to the future and determine ways that we can make our lives more productive. Let’s face life’s hardships and obstacles with faith and perseverance. And, let’s remember what Jesus tell us, (John 15:8 NIV) This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
May God richly bless you. And don’t forget, God loves you and so do I.
Phil