In one broadcast of his program “Living on the Edge,” Chip Ingram asked a good question: How do you want to be remembered? With what few words would you like for your life to be described?
Think about the household names of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci. People envy the fame attached to great achievements, but worldly attainments make no lasting difference. Great quarterbacks, singers, and artists will one day be forgotten. Even if the Mona Lisa or a recording of “Love Me Tender” endures until the end of time, the fire of final judgment will consume it in an instant.
Only spiritual things ultimately matter. The Bible says that “we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18-19). Understanding this influences my own answer to Chip Ingram’s question.
I want to be remembered as a man of God. The expression “man of God” is very special to me. Paul tells Timothy, “As for you, O man of God, flee these things [i.e., material pursuits]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Tim. 6:11-12).
I want to be remembered as a man of God. But Chip Ingram asked another good question in his message: Are your words and actions in harmony with your intentions? Wanting to be remembered as a great athlete, musician, or artist doesn’t mean that I am one. Great accomplishments on the ball field or in a music hall or in an art gallery result from endless hours of practice and self-discipline. I will be remembered as a man of God only if I’m talking and acting like one right now.
How do you want to be remembered? Are your everyday choices consistent with your good intentions?