“I chose you . . to produce fruit that will last.” John 15:16 NKJV
“If your life is meaningless while you live, it will remain meaningless after you live.”
My thoughts today urge that you “outlive your life.”
Is death the end of everything, really? Some people believe that it is, but even they wish they didn’t believe that. Such a belief certainly offers no consolation when facing death. The Bible is clear that death is inevitable, and a very real appointment with God awaits afterward, “Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God.” Hebrews 9:27 TEV. As a follower of Christ, I believe there is an afterlife, an eternal life after death. That is a power-filled hope for all who place faith in Christ as Savior, and is assured true by His own death, resurrection, and ascension to God.
I cannot imagine everyday life without that everyday faith, and I certainly would not want to try living without that very real and substantial hope. “We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.” Hebrews 6:18-20 NIV.
Max Lucado, a local pastor in San Antonio and popular author, recently wrote a new book with the thought provoking, intriguing title, “Outlive your Life.” Many are happy just to live their life, with little thought or regard to outliving that. God meant for you to “outlive your life!” How? By your example, the influence of an enduring impact on other lives that will extend beyond yours. Everyone will have a history; for some unfortunately, that will be all they have. They will leave little or nothing that will last after they are gone; nothing they are or do will outlive them. If your life is meaningless while you live, it will remain meaningless after you live.
I love the beauty and history of our nation’s capital, Washington, DC, a city that is filled with monuments and memorials – the Washington Monument towering above all with the Latin words “Laus Deo – God be Praised” engraved on its very top, the majestic Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and so many others. Their exemplary and heroic lives continue to inspire generations who never knew them but still know of them, long after their lifetimes. They call us as a nation back to what we’ve been to empower us to be what we should be.
A personal goal is that my life leaves a spiritual legacy to family and friends that lingers after my history has been written – “work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV. I want to leave more than fond memories; I live to leave a meaningful example. I think that should be your intent as well.
After life, what then? What will you leave that is lasting? Jesus said to His disciples, “I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last.” John 15:16 NLT. Fruit that will last! That’s how you “outlive your life!”
My prayer for you today is that you live to leave a meaningful example!