I am often amused when I read obituaries in the newspaper or hear what is said at the death of someone. Whoever the deceased was, he or she was the greatest person who ever lived. There was never a person more compassionate, more loving, or more caring. This is because when someone dies, we want to say the best about him or her.

But what if the truth were told? What if someone said, “Was this person not a jerk? He squandered his life. More than a few of us in this room were ripped off by him. He was selfish. He didn’t care about others. All he cared about was himself. And quite frankly, I am kind of glad he is gone, aren’t you?”

Of course we would never say that. Instead, we might even stretch the truth about how wonderful a person was.

If someone were to sum up your life, what would they say you lived for? What will they remember you best for? That will be your legacy. Wouldn’t you like it to be honestly said of you, “This person loved God. He cared about the things of God. He really cared about other people. This person really lived for the Lord”?

The ultimate waste is to throw your life away, to squander it. Yet so many people do. What will you be remembered for?

The Psalmist wrote, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand.” (Psalm 31:14-15)

Live a life that matters. Live a life that makes a difference. Live a life for the Lord and you will never regret it.