A good funeral is not one where the songs are sung properly and the directors do everything without a hitch. No, a good funeral is one where you can celebrate the life of the departed and give glory to Christ in the process. I just participated in one today. I only knew the deceased for the last 4 years of her life. I wish I had known her during the previous 89. She had been sick much these past four years, but she still served Jesus. It was a good funeral hearing her children speak of her impact on their lives. They are serving the Lord and loving people just as their mother had modeled for them.
I once saw a bumper sticker that said something like, “live your life in such a way that the preacher doesn’t have to lie at your funeral!” This sweet lady lived that way. It was a real testimony of her love for Christ today. She prayed for the lost across the street and across the world. She gave sacrificially so that others could take the gospel around the world. I wonder how many people she met Monday night who could thank her for her prayers and gifts!
We all have an impact on others. More than we know. I pray that impact is positive, and points them to Jesus.
A Pastor's Thoughts 