Living so that people will miss you

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Chronicles 21:1–23:21 
Romans 11:13-36 
Psalm 22:1-18 
Proverbs 20:7

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

2 Chronicles 21:20 (CSB) "Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king; he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. He died to one one's regret and was buried in the city of David but not in the tombs of the kings."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Our Verse for Today is incredibly sad! A man died and nobody shed a tear. Nobody cared. His life meant so little to them that they didn't regret his demise.

How tragic.

I sat in a funeral chapel today beside Pastor John Dale. At the front of the chapel, Pastor Glynn Orr led the service.

As the songs played and words were said, I looked at the casket and pondered. In the quiet of my mind, I reflected on how another life had come to an end. The body that the gentleman left behind was in the casket while family and friends were gathered to mourn his loss.

While my heart broke for those who were left behind and for the tears that were in their eyes, I was also encouraged by those tears. Do you know why? Because they testified to the fact that the gentleman was missed. He had made such an impact on others that even in his old age, folks showed up to pay their last respects.

How horrible would it be to come to the point of your death and no one showed up to your funeral. Even more, no one shed a tear at your departure. How sad!

Well, friend, if you live in such a way that you are being conformed to the image of Jesus, you will have a positive impact on others. 

Your life will be an example to some. 
Your words of correction will help the wayward. 
Your words of encouragement will help the discouraged. 
Your kindness will encourage the forgotten. 
Your charity will help the less fortunate.
Most certainly, sharing the Gospel will save the lost.

And when you have these kinds of impacts on others, you will be missed. People will mourn your loss.

You will definitely not be like Jehoram.

2 Chronicles 21:20 (CSB) "Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king; he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. He died to one one's regret and was buried in the city of David but not in the tombs of the kings."