How Will We Be Remembered?
By Susan Klein
“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
Recently, I attended
the funeral of a beloved childhood pastor of mine. I remember him as a big
burly man with a booming voice. I also remember he had the all-encompassing hug
of a huge teddy bear. He was my pastor when I went though my most turbulent teen
years, and I will always be thankful for the unconditional love he displayed
for me.
One of his greatest
legacies in my life was teaching me about “faith.” He took a small group of us
teens to a college for a week during the summer just to teach us what faith really
looked like through impactful examples and exercises. I had never heard or seen
such teachings, and they had a profound effect on my life.
Fast-forward to the
funeral, now 40 years later. I was anticipating hearing many glorious stories
about how he impacted others in their faith walks. This, sadly, was not the
case. While some spoke of his generous service to the community, and others
spoke of his great “motivational speeches” and his “optimism,” not one person spoke
of the things I remembered: his great love and bold faith. It was like going to
a funeral service for the Apostle Paul and hearing about what a good tent maker
he was. Disheartened, I wanted to jump up from my seat and yell, “You’re all
missing the true picture!” I wanted to share my own life-impacting memories
with everyone, about how I would never know the Lord as my Savior if it were not
for this man’s investing in my life.
It caused me to
wonder what might have happened over the past 40 years that I hadn’t seen him. Had
his faith waned? Did he become less bold in his proclamation of his Lord? Did
worldly matters choke out his spiritual fervor? Or, were people possibly just
oblivious to these qualities of his life? Were their hearts hardened to his
teachings, only hearing the things they wanted to hear? I may never know the
answers to these questions this side of heaven.
One question it has
given me pause to consider, “How will I be remembered?” Will people comment on
my faith or my clean house? Will they have seen the love of Christ lived out in
my life or remember me as someone who lived for self?
How will you be
remembered?
GOING
DEEPER:
1. Which character traits of yours
are most evident to others?
2. Are
there areas where your light has dimmed, and needs refueling?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is married to Mark, and
has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and
tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at
Oakwood and also co-leads a Community small group.
