Yesterday I attended another funeral. It seems like I am doing that more and more. I am not aging alone, and with that truth there are dear ones who are going home to Jesus ahead of me, not from sudden disease or disaster, but just tired physical bodies taking their last breaths.
The gentleman whose life was remembered yesterday was the dearest man. In his 95th year, he always, and I mean always, had a smile on his face. Unassuming in stature, quiet in demeanor, he always reminded me of my father-in-law in appearance. Both men were hard-working and characterized by serving. The tributes we heard yesterday, given by family, repeatedly revealed that this dad, husband, grandpa, brother, and friend lived a life of integrity where it counted the most - in his own home.
It is often said that the hardest place to live the Christian life is in our own homes. John MacArthur once made this statement: "If you want to know whether a man lives an exemplary life, whether he's consistent, whether he can teach and model the truth, and whether he can lead people to salvation, to holiness, and to serve God, then look at the most intimate relationships in this life and see if he can do it there. Look at his family and you'll find the people who know him best, who scrutinize him most closely. Ask them about the kind of man he is."
This is so true. Chap Bettis writes, "If we're honest...home is often the most challenging place to live out the gospel's implications. We say things to our children that we would never say to anyone else. We express anger to our spouses that we hide from others. Laziness others don't see is obvious to them. Family relationships, which God intended to be a blessing, can become a war zone."
God often uses our family as a floodlight to reveal the condition of our hearts. Living with integrity within our homes, the first place and most likely the hardest environment to demonstrate God's love and grace, gives opportunity to those closest to us to see Christ. Our first field of service is within our homes.
During the service yesterday five young adult grandchildren shared about their "Papa". Consistent in each reflection was his integrity and faithfulness to the Lord where it matters most...in his home. He modelled Christlike character before his family first. They each gave testimony to this patriarch's passion to know Christ and make Him known. Before getting out of bed every day there were scriptures he would pray as he dedicated his day to the Lord, desiring to live fully poured out for His Saviour. He lived prepared for every encounter, carrying homemade tracts in a blue wallet in his back pocket. With his winsome way he could disarm or defuse any argument or rejection, even engaging skeptics in calm conversation. Everything about him was non-threatening and all-loving. He lived in a way that made the gospel message attractive and others were drawn to know Jesus by meeting Him through this man's life.
Driving home following the service, I wondered what my life is writing now for future tributes. Nothing was mentioned about worldly accomplishments and yet I am sure he had many in his 94 years. The one thing people remembered...Jesus. Oh Lord, may it be true of our lives as well. Help us to live now for a legacy of integrity.
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