There are two big inspirations that I draw from funeral services. I either leave the service inspired by the person’s lack of accomplishments in life – and I leave wanting to do better, or I leave the service inspired by the person’s accomplishments in life, and I leave wanting to do similarly.
It should be noted as well that when I measure the “accomplishments” of a person’s life, I’m not referring to accomplishments as they are measured by the world’s standards, but rather by God’s standards.
The world measures accomplishment by things like, success in business or professional field, academics, fame, power, or the amount of money or possessions a person can accumulate.
The Biblical standard of accomplishment is measured in things like, faith demonstrated in obedience to the Lord Jesus, which is displayed in striving to live out a personal holiness, teaching others about Jesus and holy living, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
That makes sense, doesn’t it? Think of the people that have meant the most to you. They may have been people of great worldly accomplishment, but I bet that’s not why you remember them. We remember the people most that loved us.
I think first of my grandparents. None of my grandparents had any notable worldly achievements, but they loved me. They provided for my physical needs, but more than that, they provided for my emotional needs. They made me feel appreciated, they made me feel like I was wanted and that I belonged.
God has suffered a tremendous amount to demonstrate His love for us. He has sacrificed more than any of us are even capable. He is the provider of all the things we need in this life, both physical and emotional and most important, spiritual.
It is for Him that I want to accomplish much in this life. Not to try to earn anything from Him. Not to try to pay Him back for what He’s done for me. But to simply say, in as big of a way as possible, “Thank You.”
May we live our lives in such a way that we can say with the Apostle Paul, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).”
Let us be inspired by Christ and go forth and inspire.
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
