Two weeks ago, my mother passed from this life into eternity at the age of 83. When my siblings and I met with the funeral director to make the final arraignments for her funeral, some of the questions he asked us were:
- What were her parents’ names and siblings and whether they were alive or deceased?
- What are her children’s names and whether they were deceased of alive?
- Where did she live, past and present?
- What were her hobbies, what did she like to do?
Trying to answer all these questions brought back a lot of memories. Some of the things she enjoyed changed over time while others remained constant throughout her life. One of mom’s most enjoyable pastimes was reading – that never changed. Mom was an avid reader up to a week or two before her death. Perhaps our daughter, Rebecca, gets her love of reading from her grandmother.
My niece and I spent several hours viewing, scanning and making a DVD of pictures of mom and family members to show during the viewing and funeral. Looking at those pictures brought back a lot of memories as well. As aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends gathered with us at the funeral home, I often overheard discussions of memories of mom.
One of the visitors to the viewing was an older lady who grew up in the same small community as my mother. Mom had not lived there for many years, but when this lady saw the obituary in the newspaper she remembered her. She told me that she informed several of her friends and neighbors of mom’s death, and none of them remembered mom.
Thinking back to that conversation, has prompted me to wonder, “How will I be remembered when I pass from this life into eternity?” Will there be fond memories, unpleasant memories or perhaps as with those from mom’s childhood community – no memories.
Then, my mind thinks of Dorcas in Acts 9:36-42. She was known for her wonderful care and concern for others. When Dorcas became ill and died, the disciples sent for Peter in Lydda – a nearby town. Upon the arrival of Peter, the widows stood crying and showed him all the garments Dorcas had made for them. Peter sent everyone from the room, kneeled down and prayed to God. Then, he told Dorcas to arise. The power of God brought Dorcas back to life. A beloved friend, a worker for the Lord, a sister in Christ had been restored to them. I can only imagine the rejoicing that followed the awesome event. Verse 42 states, “And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.” The miraculous restoration of life caused many to obey the Gospel of Christ.
Will my death prompt others to reflect upon their soul’s condition? Have I lived my life in such a way that others know I am a child of God? Will I be remembered as Dorcas was remembered – one who showed love and compassion for others? Will others ponder their relationship with God and make course corrections so that an eternity in heaven will be their final destination? I have heard of some who have returned to the Lord or obeyed the Gospel when a loved one dies.
How I am remembered on this earth is of little consequence. What is important is how will God remember me on Judgment Day? Will He remember my failures– the sins of commission and the sins of omission (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-14)? Will He read my name in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12)?
Since I have obeyed the Gospel, the sins I committed before my obedience were washed away in the blood of Christ when I was baptized a few decades ago (Romans 6:3-4; Hebrews 9:11-14). As long as I live a righteous life to the best of my ability and ask God for forgiveness when I fall into the temptation of the Devil, on Judgment Day God will say to me “ …enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23).
How will I be remembered upon my death? How will you be remembered upon your death?
