Adolph Hitler is remembered in history for his terrible massacres of millions of innocent people. Ariel Castro will be remembered for his kidnapping, torture, and years of captivity of three young women. More than anything else in his life, Judas Iscariot is known for the betrayal kiss that he gave Jesus. Lot’s wife is known for looking back (an act of disobedience) and turning into a pillar of salt. Nadab and Abihu will forever be known for their offering something to God in worship that God did not command, and they were struck with fire from heaven and died.
On the other hand, Irena Sendler will forever be known for smuggling some 2,500 children out of the Warsaw Ghetto to protect them from the Nazis during WWII. The passengers of hijacked United flight 93 will be remembered for their bravery in overtaking terrorists who planned to attack the White House on 9/11, and caused the plane to crash in a field in Pennsylvania. Job is know for his perseverance under trials. Mary is known for giving birth to Jesus. The apostle Paul is known for giving his life to preaching the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles, and dying a martyr’s death for his beliefs.
In each of the above examples, both good and bad, there seems to be a defining point in their lives which served as a catalyst for them to do something by which they would be remembered. Hitler’s defining point was his decision to annihilate the innocents. Castro’s was the decision he made to kidnap the first girl. Judas’ defining point was the kiss. On the other hand, Sendler’s defining point was her decision to revolt against the Nazi regime and help the doomed Jews. The passengers of United flight 93’s defining point was the realization that they were going to die and needed to do something. Paul’s was his meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus.
So what defining point in your life has made you who you are, whether good or bad? And how will you be remembered when your life here is over? Also what kind of example will you leave for your family and friends when you are gone? Better yet, how will God remember you when you stand before Him in Judgment?
Think about it!
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Kevin Williams
