With the passing of my Mother a few weeks ago, I recalled a conversation I had with my oldest son
Joshua about 6 or 7 years ago. We were at the viewing of someone who died that belonged to our church. I do not like funerals or viewings, especially for "Christians". Our loss is Heavens gain! To be absent (dead) from our earthly bodies, means we are in the presence of The Lord Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8). God's word says this is the confidence we have and desire. Not a morbid desire to die but one to not fear the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:56-58). Now don't get me wrong, we will mourn the death of those very close to us, however if they are saved, we mourn for our loss and if they are not saved - WE MOURN FOR THEIR LOSS?
While at this particular viewing people spoke on behalf of the dead person. Nobody likes to say anything bad about someone who died, what does it matter at this point? As Carey, Joshua and I walked out to the parking lot to leave, I turned to Josh and said; Don't say I was a great dad when I die, because I'm not. I then asked Josh if he new that I loved him and he told me yes. I asked him again; Are you sure you know that I love you? he responded; Yes. I went on to tell Josh that the only things I hope you can say about me is that you knew your father loved you and that either directly or indirectly I led you towards Salvation in Christ (Romans 10:13).
Directly by leading him to Christ and praying with him when the time came to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Indirectly by my words and actions, that Josh did not see a perfect man nor a hypocrite. You see I am a hypocrite, I don't want to be, but I still am because I sin like everybody else. What Josh sees that keeps me from being a hypocrite in his eyes is that I ask for forgiveness, from God and from those I have offended.
Just prior to my Mom's memorial service starting, I told the above story to my Pastor who was going to perform the service. I then realized and told Pastor that this described my Mother. She was not perfect, but I knew she loved me and indirectly helped lead me towards Jesus. What more could I ask for to remember her by? It is the same thing I want Josh and all my children to - Remember me like I remember my mom.
Blessings
ernie
While at this particular viewing people spoke on behalf of the dead person. Nobody likes to say anything bad about someone who died, what does it matter at this point? As Carey, Joshua and I walked out to the parking lot to leave, I turned to Josh and said; Don't say I was a great dad when I die, because I'm not. I then asked Josh if he new that I loved him and he told me yes. I asked him again; Are you sure you know that I love you? he responded; Yes. I went on to tell Josh that the only things I hope you can say about me is that you knew your father loved you and that either directly or indirectly I led you towards Salvation in Christ (Romans 10:13).
Directly by leading him to Christ and praying with him when the time came to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Indirectly by my words and actions, that Josh did not see a perfect man nor a hypocrite. You see I am a hypocrite, I don't want to be, but I still am because I sin like everybody else. What Josh sees that keeps me from being a hypocrite in his eyes is that I ask for forgiveness, from God and from those I have offended.Just prior to my Mom's memorial service starting, I told the above story to my Pastor who was going to perform the service. I then realized and told Pastor that this described my Mother. She was not perfect, but I knew she loved me and indirectly helped lead me towards Jesus. What more could I ask for to remember her by? It is the same thing I want Josh and all my children to - Remember me like I remember my mom.
Blessings
ernie
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Thank you for your input - ernie