How will you be remembered?

II Chron. 21:20  Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.  No one was sorry when he died.  He was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery.

Jehoram was an evil king.  He had married one of Ahab’s daughters and had become just as bad as King Ahab had been.  Even though he was the son of King Jehoshaphat, a good king in Judah, he rejected his father’s example and chose to live an ungodly life.

All of us affect others in some way or another.  We either leave a good taste in their mouths or a bad taste.  We are either fondly remembered for the good life we live or we are remembered as one who we are glad is no longer a part of the life we live.  How we live matters, whether we think so or not. 

We create the memories people have of us.  What a sad commentary on a life.  No one was sorry when Jehoram died.  His death was a welcome relief to the people he ruled and influenced. Think about it.  Here was a man who chose to live in sin.  He chose to reject God and do what he wanted to do.  He chose to be a bad influence on others.  He chose evil over good.  He chose earthly pleasures over the treasures of heaven.

What kind of choices are you making in life?  Are you leaving a good or bad taste in people’s mouths?  Do people speak well of you or evil?  Would you like others to remember you in a good or negative way?  Do you want others to grieve your passing or be glad when you die?  Do you even care what others may think of you?

No one can make your choices for you.  If you choose to live a life surrendered to the Lord, you will bring joy to the hearts of others.  You will inspire others to follow in your footsteps.  You will be remembered fondly as one who lived life well.  Choose today whom you serve.  As for me, I will serve the Lord.