It’s a simple question that defies a simple answer. However, it must be answered. Death is inevitable. It’s coming for each of us. We won’t escape it. By God’s grace, if you live 40, 60, or 80 years—when your time on earth has come to an end, how will you be remembered?
What will you leave behind as the legacy of your life? I’m not simply referring to being a good athlete, coach, baseball scout, business owner, or community leader. No! When people talk about you (and they will), what will they say? What will be their first thought about you? How will they remember you?
Let me sharpen the question: What will the people who knew you best say about you when you’re gone? We all know that “casual acquaintances” can say what they want, but it doesn’t really matter or hold value, because they never truly knew you. However, you can’t fool your children, spouse, parents, work colleagues, or closest friends. They know the real truth because they lived with you, worked with you, did life with you, and watched you in many different situations, environments, and circumstances.
What will they say about you as they walk back to their cars while your casket is being lowered into the ground or your urn is sealed in a vault? How will you be remembered?
For the Apostle Paul, that was no idle question. When he wrote the book of 2 Timothy, he was in a subterranean prison, in chains, in Rome, under a sentence of imminent death. His days were numbered, and those numbers were quickly running out. He didn’t have five years left to get his affairs in order. The grains of sand in the hourglass had all but run out. Death by beheading was imminent. Paul knew he would never get out of prison alive.
That’s why he said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
For Paul, the race of life was almost complete, and he knew it. Only one thing was left to do: send a message to his young disciple in the faith, Timothy, and give him a final word of instruction and encouragement. Then he could face his death with grace and courage.
By the way, how is Paul remembered today? He was put to death by that sadistic madman, Nero, the exalted emperor of the Roman Empire. Nero was the most powerful man in the world. And who was Paul, really? Just some Jewish preacher who claimed to follow Jesus? The man who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament? A man who was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Soon, the emperor would order him put to death. But that was not the end of the story.
Listen closely: Two thousand years have passed—and what does the world now say about Emperor Nero and the Apostle Paul?
People today name their dogs Nero and their sons Paul.
So how will you be remembered when you are gone? What will people say about you? Will it only be about your career success, material possessions, title, position, or power? Or will it be for your Christlike character, conduct, integrity—and your unashamed courage and passion for loving God, loving people, and living sent in every opportunity you had?
Which will it be? How will you be remembered?
The choice is yours.
I encourage you to choose wisely!
Love God. Love people. Live sent.
