In Revelation 2 and 3, we’re told of seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Each one of them is remembered for an overall characteristic. “First love” makes us think of Ephesus, for example. “Lukewarm,” Laodicea. The same is true for individual Bible characters, isn’t it? Most remember Moses, Samson, David, Jeroboam, Jonah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Judas, Peter, Paul, and John for a particular attribute, whatever else could describe their lives. That’s more than fascinating. It’s sobering.
What about you and me? Is there a word others—those we attend school with, work with, live near, attend church with, or share family ties with—would use to describe us? Here are some possibilities:
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- Grumpy
- Disagreeable
- Dishonest
- Hot-tempered
- Unreliable
- Divisive
- Worldly
- Gossiping
- Selfish
Such attributes are the cumulative result of the attitude, words, and actions that we portray each day we live. Everybody has good days and bad days. But, there is an overall tenor and flavor to our lives that causes people to associate something with us. However, the word might be different:
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Gentle- Patient
- Loving
- Kind
- Serving
- Sacrificial
- Unselfish
- Humble
- Uniting
- Faithful
- Courageous
These impressions also are being built moment by moment, day by day.
With both groups of words, we can think of people who epitomize those characteristics, can’t we? But I want to know, “Which one would best describe me?” Don’t you want to know that about yourself?
The good news? If you don’t like the answer, there’s time to change it. Charles Dickens’ novel about Ebenezer Scrooge is written to make that very point. Infinitely more important, the Bible is written to make that point. We can be transformed through the influence of Christ in our hearts and lives.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17-18)
How will you be remembered? In many ways, you’re building the answer right now.