Today, I write facing the inevitable passing of a trusted friend. I know his eternal destiny is secure in the hands of Jesus, but I mourn. I have been encouraged to think what I might say when officiating his memorial service. I know the Christlike character traits he exhibits that I will extol. I know I will preach from the book of James. I know I'll cry like I am right now...
But I know one more thing.
It would be unrighteous for me to wait until after he has passed into his eternal reward to speak these words of him. I must speak them to him while I still can.
Rather than saying, "I loved him because he was," to others, I must say, "I love you because you are," to him.
When you have something good to say--not just to the person near to heaven, but to everyone, anytime--when you notice an admirable deed, when you hear a kind word, when you see Christlike character, don't wait. Speak your blessing at that moment. Offer your praise without delay.
Philippians 4:8 challenges,
whatever is true
whatever is noble
whatever is pure
whatever is lovely
whatever is admirable
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy
think about such things.
Speak about them too.
Present tense.
5 comments:
It is with a sad heart to know Jim is going home soon. I will miss him; he played a great part in helping me become who I am.
In the past a Native American warrior would earn eagle feathers for doing for others instead of doing for himself. Jim is such a man. Jim never stops teaching and leading others to the Lord. Jim you have earned your feathers for sure.
Wonderful post, friend. Thanks for the message. :)
oh wow.... tears, but hope; a challenge but also a blessing to be...
We mourn that we will be left behind and oh, how hard that will be.
But, Oh How Sweet to know Jim will be praising Jesus while we wait for our time to join them.
I have a dear friend who has been going through a trial over the past year. The Lord prompted me to tell her how she has blessed my life through her present circumstances. Being obedient, I did. She was blessed, but I was, too. How good it is when we can bless someone with our words.
timely and oh so appropriate this week. we weep with those that weep and rejoice with those that rejoice.
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