I’m a little late for memorial day, but wanted to share this brief thought.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Christians can look back throughout history and see a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before. This passage mentions them. As a matter of fact, Hebrews, chapter eleven, is filled with the names of old testament folks who stand as shining examples of the faith. We should take them as our examples to encourage us to live strong in the Lord.
With that in mind, I’d like to ask you two questions.
1. Who in your life was an example for Christ? I don’t mean people from Bible times, so don’t mention Paul or David. I mean people who walked along side of you, loved you, mentored you, helped bring you to the Faith. They’re a part of that great cloud of witnesses. Be thankful that the Lord placed them in your life.
2. How do you want to be remembered? Fifty years from now, some of us are going to be dead. I’m not being morbid. Just honest. The question is, when people look back at your life, what will they see? Some in our churches will be remembered for bringing the best baked beans to a church pot luck, or singing loud and off key during the service. Some will be remembered affectionately for falling asleep during the pastor’s message. How will you be remembered? Will you have been an encouragement? A guide or help to some young Christian? Will someone count you as a part of their great cloud of witnesses?
Here’s some advice- Live your life today, in the way that you want to be remembered tomorrow.