Vol. 17 No. 27 | July 7, 2014
I sat in the packed church sanctuary for the memorial service of a minister friend who served one church for forty years. Co-workers, friends, and family members shared memories and offered praise for a life well lived. Videos and music illustrated the fullness and richness of this good man’s life. There were tears, there was laughter, there was joy and there was sorrow.
As I listened I wondered, what if that were me, what would they say? Would people talk about what a fun guy I was? Would they share stories of how I enjoyed the journey? Would they talk about how much I loved people and how much I loved the Lord? Would they talk about me making a difference in the lives of people? Would my co-workers talk of what a privilege and joy it was to work with me? Would it be a celebration of my life or would it be a sad memorial for a man whose life had simply come to an end?
I’m not fishing for affirmation or compliments. For me to spend the time during and after a memorial service reflecting on my own life is fairly normal. Maybe a bit more at this service because he was a minister, so close to my own age, and such a good guy.
These reflective thoughts may have been more intense after having had contact with two men earlier in the week who have helped shape my life in very powerful ways. The conversations with these two men reminded me of the commitment I made many years ago to live “life to the full” (John 10:10). All of this together remind me of who I want to be, who I have tried to be, and the legacy I want to leave. It caused me to recommit myself to throw off distractions that keep me from living the life I want to live and the life I believe the Lord wants me to live.
A few months back I designed a bracelet. You know the bracelets I’m talking about. The colorful rubberized kind that so many wear. After wearing a couple of different ones for several years I decided to combine them into one of my own. [Photo above]
The message is simple and formed out of Scripture:
No Complaints!
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-16)
No Fear!
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
Finish Strong
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (1 Timothy 4:6-8)
As a companion to those three phrases I want people to be able to look at me and remember me as a man who lived, as Paul instructed, “Walk by the Spirit.” To live a life that is characterized by these qualities. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Emphasis mine) Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:22-26)
Somewhat like Joshua, “You can choose to live however you please to live, but as for me, and I hope my household, I’m going to live like this.”
No Fear.
No Complaints.
Finish Strong.
A life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Tom
© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.