3 Funerals, 8 days, all Christians

Three memorial services that couldn’t have been more different.

The first was a “full court press”—60 voice choir, 3 preachers, 4 friends reminiscing, video pictures on a big screen. It lasted an hour and a half.

The second, held in a funeral home chapel with canned music, was a more modest event with a seasoned minister and 2 friends sharing memories in less than an hour.

The third, at a small country church packed with local ranchers, consisted of 4 hymns sung by the audience with piano accompaniment, 2 scriptures read by the preacher and lasted an astonishing 22 minutes!

All the men who died were believers — a cause for rejoicing — but I wonder if all would have felt honored by their memorial service.

In trying to discern something meaningful from this week of remembrance and loss, is there a lesson or two to be learned? Perhaps…
Consider doing some advanced planning for one’s own final event.
Consider being involved in a local church with adequate facilities.
Consider investing one’s life in serving others in the name of Christ—leave a legacy worth honoring.

Ps. 116:15 says “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”.  A Christian memorial service ought to reflect that perspective so that it is precious in the sight of those attending as well. How do you want to be remembered when the time comes?