Obviously,
we are not here to brainstorm ideas for our tombstones.
However, each of us as Christian women are obligated to
build a memorial in our life...something of value that
will outlive us. There are two reasons for
this:
[1].
(Deut. 6:12) So God will not be forgotten. (Ps. 88:12)
says: "Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy
righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" America
is indeed a dark land of forgetfulness.
[2]. (Ps. 78:5-7; Deut. 4:9) For the benefit
of the next generation. If we don't leave a memorial
behind, what will happen to the next generation? A
father was explaining to his son what a Christian is.
He felt a stab in his heart he would never forget when
his son said, "Dad, have I ever seen a
Christian?"
Whether you
intend to or not, you raise memorials as you live your
life...reminders that will remain long after you are
gone. (Rom. 14:7) says "For none of us liveth to himself,
and no man dieth to himself."
Let's look
to the Bible for examples of memorials, positive and
negative:
A.
A
Memorial of Destruction
(Ex. 17:14)
[1].
The Amalekites were longtime enemies of the
Israelites.
[2]. God's promise to destroy them was written
down and fulfilled under Saul in (1 Sam. 15).
[3]. If you're raising a memorial of
destruction, which way will it go?
Negative
gossiper
talebearer
Positive
upholder
of God's work destroyer of sin in your life
B.
A
Memorial of Discord (Num.
16:39-40)
[1].
Chapter (16) is the story of a man named Korah and how
God killed those who rebelled against God's
established leadership...they are swallowed! Also note
verses 34 and 41. Can you believe that the horror of
this event only stayed with Israel one day since they
resume their slander of Moses and rebellion against
God on the next day?
Negative
Discourager
(Prov. 6:19) - Note that one of the seven things that
God hates in those that sow discord among the
brethren.
Positive
Encourager
1. Do you pray for your pastor, your fellow church
members Sunday School teachers, etc.?
2. Do you offer words of encouragement or
thankfulness?
Remember what happened to the rebellious in (vs.
41)!
C.
Memorial
of Deliverance
(Est. 9:22-28)
[1].
The story of Esther is a relatively familiar one.
Esther, a Jewess and the wife of the king, is given
the opportunity to save her people from annihilation
by the wicked Hamman. Because of her bravery an entire
nation is delivered, and the yoke of bondage is
broken.
Negative
Life of bondage
[1]. Held captive by sin
[2]. Defeated Christian life
Positive
Victorious
Life
[1]. Released from sin's grip
[2]. Happy, fruitful life
D.
Memorial
of Destiny
(Heb. 11:5-6)
A Sunday
School, determined to make sure her class understood the
story of Enoch, repeated, "And Enoch was not, for God
took him" over and over again. However, upon review, one
of the children said, "Enoch was not what God took him
for!"
[1].
Undoubtedly, one of the most valuable memorials you
can leave behind is that "she pleased God."
[2]. Enoch, only one of millions upon earth at
that time, was chosen by God to be "translated."
[3]. Note in (verse 6) that faith is essential
in pleasing God. How about this one your tombstone:
"She had great faith."
E.
Memorial
of Devotion
(Acts 10:1-4)
[1].
Prayer warrior and unselfish giver
[2]. Cornelius' memorial was twofold: prayer
and alms. His prayers captured God's attention.
[3]. Because of this memorial God honored
Cornelius by using him as a vehicle to open Peter's
eyes to the spreading of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Remember, those who hoard the most to themselves have
the least.
F.
Memorial
of Dedication
(Matt. 26:6-13)
[1].
A life dedicated to the Lord.
[2]. Mary sets the standard for excellence in
dedication.
[3]. Obviously, she is the only one who really
listened to Jesus in verse 2 which proves she was a
lover of God's word. She had a firm grip on immediate
service to God and acted when the opportunity
presented itself.
[4]. With uncompromising standards, she
erected her memorial in spite of what others thought
or said.
[5]. Willing to serve regardless of the cost,
Mary gave no thought as to what the memorial cost her.
Your memorial should cost you something. You expect to
pay a handsome price for a headstone...should you not
have to pay a price for what you "spiritual headstone" will say?
Conclusion:
Everyone
ought to fear to die until he has done something that
will live.
Measure
of a Woman
Not, how did
she die? But, how did she live?
Not, what did she gain? But, what did she give?
These are the merits To measure the worth
Of a woman as a woman Regardless of
birth.
Not, what
was her station? But, had she a heart?
And how did she play Her God-given part?
Was she ever ready With a word of good cheer
To bring a smile Or to banish a tear?
Not, what
was her church? Nor, what was her creed?
But, had she befriended Those really in need?
Not, what did the sketch In the newspaper say?
But how many were sorry When she passed away?
-Selected
WHAT KIND OF
MEMORIAL WILL YOU LEAVE BEHIND???
