There are moments that force us all to pause and confront our own death. In recent days, many of us have paused to consider the life and legacy of figures like Charlie Kirk, particularly as we witness the public expressions of grief and remembrance at memorial services.
To witness such a moment is to be confronted with a universal human question: “What will truly matter when my life is assessed? What do I hope will be said about me when all is said and done?” The world measures a life by its résumé—the titles, the acquisitions, the accolades. But the Gospel invites us to measure a life by its eulogy—by the qualities of faith, character, conviction, and love that reflect our Creator and endure into eternity.
He followed Jesus
Everyone follows something. Most people today follow a path in pursuit of fame, fortune, power, influence, comfort, or some combination. A godly man follows Jesus. He takes up his cross and pursues righteousness in order to please God and follow closely after Jesus.
I hope people say this about me: He loved Jesus. He represented him well. His actions and words usually raised the reputation of the gospel and showed that he had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
He loved his family
One of the greatest joys a man can have is to be in a loving marriage and raise a family together. Men are called to love their wives like Christ loved the church, by giving himself up for her. The greatest joy you can have is leading your wife and children towards knowing God’s love and grace. And never letting anything—a career, friends, even religious devotion—deter you from loving your family well.
I hope my wife says: There is one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt: my husband loved me. He challenged me to overcome my own limitations. He walked with me through difficult times. He fought for me. He pointed me to Jesus.
I hope my kids say: I want to be more like my dad. He protected us fiercely, shaped us intentionally, guided us wisely, and loved us sacrificially.
He protected those who needed protection
Jesus call to love the lowly, tend to the sick, care for the poor, is clear. (Luke 14:13-14). Christians throughout the ages have protected the downtrodden and weak, even if they did not share the Christian faith. Godly men stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
I hope my community says: He loved children and watched out for them. He had kind words for those who needed them. He leaned in to conflict to stand up for someone in distress or fearful, or in danger of harm. His life shows a desire to lift people up.
He was generous
Generosity is not about the amount you give but the state of your heart in giving it. Godly men give freely and cheerfully of their time, talents, and treasures. Proverbs reminds us that sharing itself is a blessing (Proverbs 22:9). And Paul says that those who have been given gifts by the Holy Spirit out to share those gifts generously (Romans 12:8).
I hope people will say: He had a generous heart. I had ‘this need’ and he quietly took care of it for me. His gifts were thoughtful and given cheerfully. He gave me his time, his counsel, and his love with no expectations.
He lived out his purpose
God has made each of us uniquely, given each of us a calling on our life—both generally, to worship God and proclaim his greatness (1 Peter 2:9), and specifically, as evidenced through our gifts, abilities, and experiences. Figuring out what you’re made for, as the line in that old movie, Chariots of Fire, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
I hope those who know me best will say: He knew what he was made for. He used all of his skills and abilities to be and accomplish what God called him to.
What do you want people to remember you by? And who do you want to remember you? Invest your life in the people you are called to love, and live the life God has called you to live, robustly, courageously, unashamedly, fearlessly. And watch what God does with your life.
