A gospel preacher delivered a lesson at a funeral for a man who was a twin. He told of the sinful life he had lived and urged those in attendance to not go the way of eternal death. Finally, the deceased’s twin stood up and said the preacher was talking about the wrong twin!
Everyone could benefit from imagining his own funeral. Begin by asking what would be said today. What would we would like our loved ones to hear? If changes are needed, we should follow Paul’s approach (Philippians 3:13-14). Notice, the apostle was focussed on a single goal, heaven (Philippians 1:21-24).
Focusing on what is ahead requires putting aside what is behind. Past sins can be forgiven in penitent baptism (1 Timothy 1:15; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Past accomplishments must also be forgotten (Philippians 3:5-8; Luke 9:25). We also need to forget wrongs suffered at the hands of others. Both Jesus and Joseph show us how this is done (Luke 23:34; Genesis 50:20).
Paul, with death fast approaching, could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). He could say that because he had made his life’s goal pleasing God (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Great men and women of faith looked ahead to the end, which enabled them to live as wanderers in tents rather than more permanent structures (Hebrews 11:13-16). The motivating force behind Daniel’s prayers, even in light of a new law against offering petitions to any god or man other than Darius for 30 days, was his ability to see beyond earthly punishment to God in heaven (Daniel 6:1-22).
If we want to be remembered at our funeral as a good husband, wife or parent, we should start being good at home now. If we want to be remembered as sacrificial servants who are active within our community, then we must start to practice those things today.
Gary C. Hampton