What I'd Want Said At My Funeral

WHAT I'D WANT SAID AT MY FUNERAL

“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” - 2 Corinthians 10:17

Sadly, most people are not prepared for their funeral. Some do not have life insurance to cover funeral expenses. A burial spot has not be chosen. A choice about which minister(s) should speak has not been specified. This leaves surviving family members with the challenge of dealing with these matters.

I've made these arrangements. I think my family will carry out my wishes, but of course, they can make any alterations that they feel is necessary.

When it comes to my funeral, I really don't want a long, unnecessary eulogy. If anything positive can be said of my life, God really deserves the credit. All the negative things are covered by the blood, not to be remembered by the Lord, so why bring them up at the funeral?

If I could give a word to the minister(s) conducting my funeral, there are two specific areas I would want emphasized in the message.

PREACH THE GLORY OF THE LORD

First of all, I want God to be glorified at my funeral. Forget about me. If anyone is to be praised, it is my Lord. Why waste time trying to brag on me? Every good thing done in my life or through my life is due to the Lord, not me.

Some want to refer to a funeral as a “celebration of life.” Jesus is the One who gave me life. My physical life was due to His blessing. The greatest blessing of my natural life has been the spiritual life He brought within. Salvation by grace is a work that God, alone, deserves the credit for. Jesus said, “I am come that you may have life, and life more abundantly.” If we are going to celebrate life, we must celebrate Jesus, because He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

If a minister stands over my casket, I would love for him to preach about the glory of God. Preach about my mighty Lord. Brag on Jesus. Praise the Name of the Lord.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Paul wanted Christ to be magnified in his death. May this be the case for every believer! Shouldn't a funeral be an expression of faith, an opportunity for worship and a time of praise?

I do not deserve praise. I know myself better than any person on earth. I know my unworthiness to be called a Christian. Why should I receive accolades from men? Why should my funeral be all about me? The Lord deserves all the praise, honor and glory. May He receive this at my funeral.

PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE LOST

Secondly, at my funeral, I want the Gospel to be preached. There may be unbelieving family members, friends and neighbors who will attend. They need to hear the Gospel. Some argue that a funeral is a bad place to evangelize. I strongly disagree. It is the best place.

A true Christian never gets tired of hearing the Gospel. An unbeliever can never hear it enough. At my funeral, I want the Gospel preached, and not the "modern gospel” that is watered-down. I want a preacher to stand and boldly preach the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What greater message can be brought at a funeral, or anywhere else, than the message of the Gospel? The hungry need the Living Bread. The thirsty need the Living Water. The perishing need to hear about the soul-saving blood of Christ. So at my funeral, I want the Gospel to be clearly presented. It may be that some soul will meet the Savior at my funeral. How great that would be!

Because of the subject of this message, you may think I've received some bad report from the doctor. I have not. I don't know when my departure is scheduled. It may be today. It may be years away. That is in the Lord's hands. While I'm living, I want God to be glorified and I want to spread the Gospel. When I die, I still want God to be glorified and have the Gospel proclaimed.

Apart from the Lord, I am nothing. I want my remaining years to be spent putting the spotlight on Jesus. When I depart, I want the spotlight to remain on Him. I am going to heaven only because of Him.

To God be all the glory!

The Man Who Missed His Funeral

THE MAN WHO MISSED HIS FUNERAL

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” - Hebrews 11:6

Speaking at funerals is a duty that most pastors must face from time to time. While it is a solemn occasion, it is also a time to minister to people who need spiritual help. As a bi-vocational pastor, there are times I must miss a day of work to conduct a funeral. I try to be accommodating to families during their time of grief.

Once I had to miss a funeral I was called to speak at. One day, I got home from work and learned that a man in the neighborhood was in the hospital, dying. The family wanted someone to come and visit. So, I traveled to the hospital to visit with the family. When I arrived, I learned that the family had a stomach bug. The dying man was not conscious, so I simply visited, had prayer with the family and came home. For the next several days, I was sick with the same stomach bug the family had. It forced me to miss the funeral.

There was a man in the Bible who never had a funeral or burial. His name was Enoch. Enoch was one of only two men in the Bible who never died. God simply took Enoch away. In Biblical times, there was typically a time of mourning for the deceased. Perhaps after his disappearance, some mourned Enoch's departure. We find no record of this. If they had some kind of memorial service for him, his body certainly wasn't present. He vanished. He was gone. He missed his own funeral, because a funeral was never needed.

These days, funeral homes advertise burial plans. Making your funeral arrangements in advance saves time and trouble for the surviving family members. If Enoch had a burial plot chosen, it was never needed. If he planned a funeral, it never was conducted. God simply took him home.

Why was Enoch taken away like that? What made this man so special? In the book of Genesis, the Bible states, “Enoch walked with God.” This gives us a clue about the man. He had a close relationship with the Lord.

The writer of the book of Hebrews tells it this way, “for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Enoch had an intimate walk with the Lord. His life pleased the Lord. Enoch's relationship with God was obvious before others. Notice the book of Hebrews says, “for before his translation he had this testimony...” Enoch had a vital and visible testimony. While he didn't leave his body behind, he did leave a testimony.

What will you leave behind when it is your time to go? Will you leave a powerful testimony like Enoch did?

Enoch walked God. He pleased God. The Bible tells us how Enoch pleased God: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death...” Enoch was a man of faith. He believed God. He trusted the Lord. Enoch lived by faith.

Do you have an active faith in the living Lord? Do you live by faith or by your feelings? We need to take God at His Word. We should trust Him to keep His promises. We should rely on Him during tough times. We need to depend on Him to meet every need. It is tempting to walk by sight, but God calls us to walk by faith.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. God is pleased when we live by faith. Is your life pleasing to the Lord?

Because Enoch had such a strong faith, God simply took him one day. He vanished, never to be seen on earth again.

Brothers and sisters, there's a time coming when the children of God will be taken without warning. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we'll vanish from this planet. When our Lord returns, “... we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” To the Corinthians, Paul put it this way, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

When Jesus comes, like Enoch, we'll be taken away. You may have a cemetery plot purchased. Perhaps your funeral has been planned and paid for. Yet if Jesus returns before you die, a funeral will not be required. Enoch missed out on a funeral, and so will we.

When our Lord returns, He is not coming for everyone. Only those with a real faith in the living Lord will be taken.

Will you be among that number?

How To Preach Your Own Funeral

HOW TO PREACH YOUR OWN FUNERAL

“...he being dead yet speaketh.” - Hebrews 11:4

You've probably heard the old expression, “A man preaches his funeral while he's living.” While that is true, many families still expect the minister to speak glowing words about the deceased. Yet is that the minister's job? Is it his responsibility to provide the eulogy? Hasn't the deceased already preached his or her funeral by the lifestyle displayed before others? Nothing the minister will say can either add to or subtract from the life that others have observed.

If a man preaches his funeral while he's living, what kind of sermon are you preaching today? Too many think that they can live wrong and die right. They believe that a magnificent eulogy at a funeral will make a difference in their eternal destination. Obviously, this is wrong. Saving faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that will provide a living hope. Salvation must occur before death.

At the funeral, don't expect a minister to provide a false narrative of your life. If your family fails to see Christian fruit exhibited from your life, it is dishonest for the minister to declare otherwise. The funeral sermon preached by your own life is far more powerful than the polished words of a minister.

What would you want said at your funeral? The answer to this question should give you an idea about how you should be living today.

Let me suggest a few things to you. First of all, get saved. There is no substitute for genuine salvation. Being a church member is not a fitting substitute for salvation. You must be born again. Don't leave this world with this matter unsettled. Eternity is too long for you to be wrong about your salvation.

Secondly, once you get saved, let others know. Don't try to be a closet Christian. Tell it everywhere you go. A public profession of faith at the end of a church service is good, but follow this with water baptism. Show others that Jesus has made a difference in you. Then continue professing faith in Christ by telling your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers what the Lord has done for you.

Finally, after you are saved, live like you are saved. Go to church every time the doors are open. Pray and read your Bible daily. Share the Gospel with the lost. Give financially to God's work. Get busy in the harvest field of the Lord. Working for Jesus is not a means to salvation, merely a product of grace. Serve the Lord the rest of your life.

Really, the issue is not what you want said at your funeral. Instead, what do you want the Lord to say after you die? You must stand before Him one day. A lot of people want the Lord to say, “Well done,” although they've done nothing. Some want the Lord to receive them into glory, but they've never received Him while here on earth. Prepare to meet your God.

Although you may never preach from behind a pulpit, in a sense you are preaching by your lifestyle. It is true that you are preaching your funeral by the way you live. So live your life to the fullest. Be sold out to the Lord. Live wide open for Him. Be a faithful follower of Jesus. Love Him supremely. Walk with Him intimately. Enjoy Him immensely. Obey Him explicitly. Live so that the reality of your life far exceeds your reputation. Live in such a way that no funeral or eulogy can do justice to the life you lived.

That is how you should preach your own funeral.

Practical Ways To Make A Difference

 PRACTICAL WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“Ye are the salt of the earth.” - Matthew 5:13

“Ye are the light of the world.” - Matthew 5:14

When Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, He was emphasizing the fact that we are called to be difference makers. With His empowerment, we are to positively impact this world for His glory.

For some time, I've been writing about impacting the world around us. I want to close out this series by concentrating on practical ways to make a difference. These are very fundamental things, yet they are a foundation you can build on. These are simple ideas that anyone can implement. Don't overlook these concepts because they are basic. Often the Lord uses the simple things of life to make the biggest difference.

Here are some practical ways you can make a difference today.

PRAY

Do not underestimate what God will do in response to prayer. We need more praying people, not less. A. J. Gordon is famous for saying, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”

I believe the great need of this hour is for the Church to get back to prayer. We need more prayer warriors. We need more intercessors. We need believers who will specifically pray for others and their needs. Keep a prayer list. Use it daily. Come to the throne of grace and talk to the Lord on behalf of others.

Southern Gospel Music pioneer, James D. Vaughan, once wrote a song entitled, “I Need The Prayers of Those I Love.” That title is so true for us today!

God provides specific answers to specific prayers, so pray specifically today.

PRESENCE

Secondly, practice “the ministry of presence.” Minister to people in their hour of need. Be there for those who are going through sorrow. Visit those who are in the hospital. Check on those who are sick. When Mary and Martha experienced enormous grief, our Lord's visit made a powerful difference.

People don't always remember the words spoken to them during a crisis, but they do remember the people who were there for them.

ENCOURAGE

Also, provide encouragement to others. Some are going through deep valleys. Befriend such people. Let them know that you care. Be attentive as they share their burdens. Demonstrate your love with acts of kindness. Be a minister of encouragement.

GIVE

Another way God uses people to make a difference is through their generosity. No, you don't have to be rich to be generous, just have a generous heart. Giving to the needy, hungry and destitute makes a difference. Give to ministries that serve such needs.

Giving is not restricted to money. Give of your time. Give of your talents. Give your attention.

WITNESS

Next, share the Gospel with others. When you share the Gospel, you are sowing seed that can bring an eternal harvest. Many need the Lord. They need the same Gospel that changed us. It may be that some soul you meet today is one conversation away from salvation. Make the investment that yields eternal dividends. Share the Gospel with those you meet along the way.

SERVE

Finally, serve others. Serve at a soup kitchen. Serve at church. Volunteer at a local hospital. There is no shortage of need, but there is a severe shortage of servants. Our Lord gave us an example when He washed His disciples' feet. This act was typically performed by the lowest servant, yet our Lord washed feet. Let's be foot-washing Christians. Serve without seeking attention. Serve without asking for a title or compensation. Serve others in Jesus' Name. Let's practice the advice that Solomon gave, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

These are just some basic ideas. Hopefully, these ideas will provoke you to think of creative ways to make a difference at your home, at work, at church, in your community and throughout the world.

As children of the King, let's serve as His ambassadors, being used of Him to make a difference in this world in the time we have left.

Today is a good day to begin.

Making A Difference Where You Are

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU ARE

“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” - John 4:35

Many Christians think that only pastors and missionaries are used of God to make a difference in the lives of others. This simply isn't true. You may never be called to preach. You may never be led to go a foreign country as a missionary. Yet God can still use you. In fact, He can use you where you are right now. You don't have to cross the globe or even across the nation to be useful in the Lord's work. Sometimes you just need to walk across the street.

God has strategically placed us among people who need help. Perhaps they need a word of encouragement. Maybe they need a friend to confide in. It could be that people around us need salvation.

As Americans, we tend to overlook the obvious. We can watch the national news and be troubled about a catastrophe in another country, yet fail to notice the incredible pain and loss being experienced by our neighbors.

While there is a need to contribute to agencies and ministries that are helping people in need nationally and internationally, we can also make a difference right here at home. God uses common people like you and me to positively impact lives for His glory. We don't need a seminary degree to make a difference. In John chapter 4, our Lord taught this lesson to His disciples. Jesus saw the crowd around Him and said, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” There are some basic things we can do to minister to those around us.

LOOK

The Lord was ministering among a crowd of people. Looking at the crowd, Jesus saw something that the disciples didn't. The disciples may have just seen a large group of people who were looking for a miracle or a free meal. Perhaps they considered the crowd to be a nuisance or an interruption. Jesus looked at the crowd with compassion. He saw the people as a harvest field. He saw needy people who needed spiritual help.

What do we see around us? The interruptions that disturb us may actually be spiritual opportunities. The complaints of others may actually be cries of help. The sad faces we encounter probably reflect empty lives.

We need to look at others as Jesus would look at them. We need to be more observant to the people God places around us. Some downtrodden soul may be contemplating suicide. A somber, silent woman may be going through the trauma of divorce. A man may seem distracted because a member of his family is dying.

People are hurting. There are many who need a miracle right now. Folks are facing dire situations. You may be one conversation away from helping one of these fellow pilgrims.

LISTEN

Secondly, we need to listen to people around us. When we engage in conversations, we can learn a lot about others. Be attentive. James 1:19 says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James gives us practical advice that we need to implement. Be quick to listen.

As Americans, we struggle when it comes to listening. We are eager to talk. We want to contribute to a conversation. We listen only to find a place to speak, rather than truly hearing. When we listen to others, we can learn much about them, their plans, their dreams and their pain.

If we practiced the discipline of listening, we would learn a great deal about the people around us. The people God uses the most to make a difference tend to be those who listen the best.

LOVE

Finally, when we look and listen, we can understand how to best minister to the needs of those closest to us. Rather than going through our day focused solely on ourselves, we would realize that there are people very close to us who have dire needs.

Honestly, we can't solve all the problems that exist in the lives of others. At times we can help. In those moments, we may be the answer to somebody's prayers. Even in those situations where we can't help, at least we can offer encouragement, prayer and sympathy.

Our Lord saw the great crowd around Him and saw their spiritual need. He had compassion on them.

We should do the same.