After our death, the life we chose to live will become a memory. Death leaves behind only memories.

I was reminded of this by reading John L. Moore’s collection of memories from his previous writing, recounting those in his life, both family and friends, who left behind a memorable history depicted by his writing of “The North Side.” John’s writing was clear and honest, reflecting the hard cowboy life of Eastern Montana. John reminded me of what we will all leave behind at the time of our death—memories. 

As we read through Scripture, all the people we read about and their interactions with each other are now memories from the past. Those memories are left behind for us to ponder how we should live and the memories we want to leave behind.

Each choice we make and every step we take creates a memory that we will pass on to those who will remember us long after our passing. Each life, mine included, will leave behind a mixture of good and bad. Those who truly love us will, with God’s mercy, be able to sift through the evidence of our lives to see where God was at work.

Paul told us how to live a memorable life, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In both life and death, if Jesus is our focus, even in the times when our focus was blurred by pain and suffering, what remains will become a memory that will honor the Lord and His truth – a memory worth recalling.