In a recent sermon Eddie mentioned how Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite and the man behind the Nobel Prize, was able to read his eulogy before he died. There had been a misunderstanding when his brother’s death was reported as his own, and the newspapers ran a biographical sketch on him. Nobel wasn’t all that excited about what he read, and so he determined to do something of lasting positive significance with his life in order to rewrite his eulogy.
Last night I sat in a memorial service for a young man whose life was cut tragically short. At only 28 years old, Mark Groesch went home to be with the Lord. But I was overwhelmed by the powerful testimony of this young man’s journey of faith and his impact on this world for the glory of God. Mark was unashamedly, unabashedly, unswervingly devoted to Christ. As Mark’s sister Sarah read his eulogy, it was obvious that Mark’s life was well-lived and brought glory to God. If Mark could have read his eulogy I know that he would have been honored by the kind words spoken about him, but even more he would have been pleased to know that his life pointed toward God like an arrow aimed at Heaven.
Stories like that of Nobel and Mark Groesch get us thinking about our own destinies. About what people would say of us if they were to eulogize us? It gets us thinking about the decisions we’re making. Are we living each moment for the glory of God? So, if you’re looking to get some good discussion going in your group, and if you ever wonder if the members of your group are” getting it,” then try this. Ask them to eulogize themselves. Then ask them to eulogize one another. But don’t hold back. This is a great way for people to ask others the important questions: How do you see me? Am I just a workaholic? Am I just playing church? Am I neglecting the most important things in life for things that have no lasting significance beyond this world? Am I more concerned with leaving my mark on family and others than gaining a big bank account or impressive reputation? Discussing these kinds of questions can propel us to a level of vulnerability necessary to acknowledge that we must be “doers of the Word, and not merely hearers.” Discussing questions like this prompts us to reflect on areas of our own lives where change is in order.
