Meaningful Memories

4-1-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Meaningful Memories


“Aware of this Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”… I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:10, 13

How do you want to be remembered? How will your obituary read? Will it point to God? We will all have memories that reflect our lives. Our past experiences may be pint sized—built around us. Or they may be bigger than life, because they are built around Christ. Your defining moments are building a memorial that will extend into the future.

There are spectators watching you assemble this life memorial. Your family is watching. Your friends are watching. Your acquaintances are watching. The world is watching. Most importantly, God is watching. So, intentionally intertwine in your life other liked minded Christians, creating a beautiful mosaic of God’s faithfulness.

For example, you may want to initiate a monthly meeting or phone call with your son-in-law or daughter-in law. Guard this time on your calendar as an opportunity to mentor and love on your loved ones. Let them talk about what God is teaching them, what they are learning from their family and the biggest challenges they face.

As you construct your life memorial consider a few things. Ponder the wisdom of making God your foundation. When He is your foundation your memorial will stand for eternity. The memory of your life: your acts of service for Christ and others may fade overtime, but your God based foundation will remain as a legacy that is perpetuated by your family.

Indeed, build into the architecture of your beautiful memorial eternal financial investments for Jesus. Leverage your resources for God’s Kingdom. It may be bricks and mortar that represents churches, schools, hospitals, businesses, community centers or homes. Whatever you build, build for the glory of God dwellings with eternal significance.

However, one word of caution is necessary. A Christ-centered charter governed by God-fearing leaders is required to keep an institution pure to its mission. As much or more time and money needs to be spent on preserving mission integrity, as if on the construction of buildings. Otherwise, your memorial to Christ may very well be hijacked by heresy.

Moreover, your memorial may consist of paying for the Christian education of your grandchildren. It may be funding initiatives and projects that leverage evangelism and discipleship in a country outside of yours. Your memorial building may involve serving Jesus in some obscure and remote part of the world without fanfare or appreciation. Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord. Resist the critics and embrace Christ. Indeed, our Lord and His faithful followers do not dismiss memories and memorials for His glory.

“Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God” (Acts 10:4).

What memories am I creating for Christ? How do I want to be remembered?

Related Readings: Joshua 4:7; Isaiah 56:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:15