What Will They Say?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

What will they say about your life at your funeral or memorial service? Something to think about, huh?

In the last year my husband and I have lost two good friends. Both were outstanding people, having lived lives worthy of praise. As I sat listening to worthy tributes to each of them, I thought—What will they say at my funeral? Have I made a difference in others’ lives? Has my life glorified God? Have I been a good Christian example?

As I think back on my life, I remember the good things my parents left me. It was not money or a large estate. It was their living example of character, integrity, compassion, honesty, loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice. They taught me about Jesus at an early age. They were faithful Christian servants.

I grew up on a dairy farm—that means lots of hard work and not very much money. There were times I resented not having all the things my friends had. As I grew older, however, I realized the things my parents taught me were so much greater than anything money can buy.

The greatest legacy we can pass on to our children and grandchildren is not money or other material things that we have accumulated in life. The greatest legacy we can pass on is character and faith.

If our character is marked by greed, anger, bitterness, lack of integrity or any other negative quality, this is how we will be remembered. If our character and integrity are shaped by Christ over the years, our children will see and remember it.

It is God’s will for us to become more like Jesus Christ. It’s never too late to change. We can’t change the past, but we certainly can change the future.

What will they say about you?

Georgia Andrus