What do you want to be said about your life when you’re gone?

We are going to die or Jesus will return first. Every day brings us one day closer to the end of our journey. Facing the reality of death or of Jesus’ coming gives zest and meaning to time and life. The approaching end of life makes each moment valuable. We only pass through once so we don’t have time to waste by frittering away our life. We are encouraged to “make the best use of the time” God gives us (Ephesians 5:16). The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (9:10).

Until we know what we want written on our tombstone, we are not ready to live. What do you want those who know you best to say about you? Wouldn’t the best thing that anyone could say is that you loved God and loved others (Matthew 22:37-39)?

The rich person and the poor person both face open graves. At that time, the amount of money you made, the houses you lived in, the cars you drove, or the jobs you held will fade into insignificance. Jesus taught that our entire goal in life should be to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). It’s been well said: