A Memorable Heart

Proverbs 27:2, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”

“A memorable heart is the easiest way to immortality.” ― Suzy Kassem

Nothing brings me to my knees faster than attending a memorial service for someone who has lived a life worth living. Several years ago, the son of a friend of mine died unexpectantly at the age of 21. Ryan FitzGerald was a good kid and well-liked. When I went to his memorial service, I expected a big turnout. What I got stunned me. Not only was the auditorium full to overflowing, but young person after young person went up on stage to talk about what Ryan had done for them; everything from facing down bullies to comforting loss. Some of these young people talked about things that had happened many years ago. Some even said that Ryan probably wouldn’t remember coming to their aid. They talked about wolves, sheep, and sheepdogs; Ryan was the sheepdog. He protected the sheep from the wolves.

1 Timothy 6:18, “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”

Yesterday I attended another such memorial. I mentioned Robert before; it was his. Not only was the church full of people showing their respect, but they also told the story of his life. His was a life worthy of praise. I struggled throughout that service to imagine mine. Was I a sheepdog? Have I lived a life worthy of Christ’s sacrifice?

Psalms 127:1, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches but in vain.”

What will others say about you? In both of the examples I mentioned above, it was not just that they were good people. Evil can look appealing if it gives away enough stuff. Good people are better than not-so-good people, but ultimately, they don’t stand out. Their motives still linger like a shadow over their actions. Great people, the type of people that leave a positive impact on generations, are Godly people. They have a way of being good that reflects humility and compassion. Godly people understand where grace comes from. They act as they do, not to please others but to serve their creator in a manner worthy of His sacrifice.

Ephesians 4:1-5, “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Interestingly, you can’t be the type of person that wants a great memorial service and have it too. You have to be the type of person who doesn’t care, who doesn’t want the attention, and who only wants to live to please Christ. The main ingredient is always to look outward. Always concern yourself with the welfare of others. When you give yourself completely to servitude for Christ, amazing things start to happen in your life. Both Robert and Ryan would be a little embarrassed by what was said about them. The embarrassment would come because it was not their intent to get recognition. Their intent was to serve.

Matthew 6:1,” Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”

“Feeling good about yourself is not the same thing as doing good.” ― Theodore Dalrymple.

Nothing I say here is new. It is not surprising that the people we esteem the most are not just charitable people; they are not just good people; they have a little something special that makes them stand out.  There is an assured humility that allows them to bend down to serve while still holding their heads high. They are confident that Christ is in their corner, He will not allow them to be laid low, and He will glorify their efforts. They do not need the accolades of men to motivate them.

Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Yet, we struggle to emulate these people. We struggle to believe that our God truly cares for us. Our worldview dictates that we can only do so much and no more. We cannot risk our future or the future of our family beyond a certain point. Serving is not only conditional but relative.

Ryan and Robert innately knew how to serve God unconditionally. For many of the rest of us, it is not that easy. I do ask that you try to ratchet up your efforts so that, over time, you will be embarrassed by the good things people say about you.

Matthew 25:23, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”