Read Acts 8
After Stephen was stoned to death for his faith in Christ, the scripture records that "Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him." (verse 2) This passage reminded me of a journal entry I made some time back that I would like to share with you today. The entry is dated June 15, 1994.
I recently attended a funeral for a person I did not know. In fact, I had never met her. She was the mother of one of my neighbors. I felt little or no grief during the service. From what was said, she was a wonderful person, and family members and friends wept.
This made me think, "Who will weep at my funeral?" Casual acquaintances will not. Those attending out of duty or respect will not. Business associates won't. Neither will my office furniture or even my gold clubs or fishing equipment.
When my life draws to a close, only those individuals in whom I've invested myself through close personal friendship will weep. I will want this to include my family and close friends. If so, I need to live each day remembering that others can sit in my chair at work; and others can play golf or fish; but only I can be a husband and friend to my wife, family, and friends. I commit to live in such a way that there will be weeping when I depart.
Will there be any loud lamenting at your funeral?
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