Just a few days ago I stood before a group of people who were mourning and tried to offer some words of comfort and hope. I have done several funerals over the years, but this one was a little different. This funeral involved someone who I considered to be a very close friend of mine. Robert was a family man who died way too young. Preaching his funeral was one of the more difficult things I have had to do during my time in ministry.

As I reflected upon Robert’s life and the many memories we shared together, I couldn’t help but smile. You see, Robert was not a perfect man, but he was a good man who loved God and loved others. If you were his friend he would let you know how much he cared about you through both, his words and his actions. He would encourage you, laugh and cry with you, and tell you how much you meant to him. As I reflected upon Robert’s life I couldn’t help but think about the words of Paul when he said, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3).

Preparing for Robert’s funeral I was reminded of something I think we all sometimes forget. We spend a lot of time worrying about exercising and eating healthy so we can live a long life and there is nothing wrong with this. However, no matter how much we prepare to live a long life, none of us know how long we will live here on this earth. What’s important is not how long we live but how well we live. The Bible teaches, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Prov. 22:1).

Friends, I hope and pray each of you are able to live a long and joyous life here on earth. But, even more than this, I hope and pray that no matter how long you live, you live your life well so others can thank God for every remembrance of you because of the good name you leave behind.

Now that’s Something to Think About!