An old preacher was dying. He sent a message for his doctor and his lawyer, both church members, to come to his home. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his bedroom. As they entered the room the preacher held out his hands and motioned for them to sit, one on each side of his bed. The preacher grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything. Both the doctor and lawyer were touched and flattered that the preacher would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled; the preacher had never given them any indication that he particularly liked either of them. They both remembered his many long, uncomfortable sermons about greed, covetousness and avaricious behavior that made them squirm in their seats.
Finally, the doctor said, “Preacher, why did you ask us to come?” The old preacher mustered up his strength, then said weakly, “Jesus died between two thieves; and that’s how I want to go.”
Nearing the end of our lives gives us perspective. We are able to see what is truly important and what only appears to be important. We won’t be trying to make a point in our final moments; instead we will want to know we’ve made a difference. We will want to know our lives mattered.
We build our legacy day-by-day in the big and small things that make up our lives. Our legacy is formed in our relationships. If you eulogy were written today, would you be pleased with what it said? If not, begin today to change your legacy. You only get this one life; make it matter!
Be Transformed 