Profound Thoughts

What we do in life echoes in eternity.

- Maximus

How will the world speak my name in years to come?

- Caesar Marcus Aurelius

Will they say I was merciful?

- Commodus

I recently watched the movie, Gladiator. Three of the leading characters made the above comments or asked the above questions. Their quotes caused me to reflect upon my own life.

How will what I’ve done in my life echo in eternity?

How will the world speak my name in years to come?

As a follower of Christ, my ultimate aim in life is to please my Father and to bring him glory. It is my hope and prayer that when the world speaks my name – not only in years to come, but right now – the following can be said of me:

[NOTE – I’ve compiled the following list from verses I’ve been contemplating recently. It’s by no means exhaustive, regarding what I’m aiming for in my life.]

· Deb was humble.

· She was contrite in spirit.

· Deb Smith trembled at God’s Word. Isaiah 66:2

· Deb fed the hungry, satisfied the thirsty, housed the homeless, and clothed the shivering.

· She stopped to visit the sick and imprisoned. Matthew 25:35, 36, 40

· Deb Smith always did what was right and treated people fairly.

· Deb stood up for the down-and-out.

· She knew God. Jeremiah 22:15, 16

· Deb Smith wasn’t proud, gluttonous, or lazy.

· Deb did not ignore the oppressed and the poor.

· She didn’t put on airs or live an obscene life. Ezekiel 16:49, 50

· Deb’s mercy transformed the outcast and the broken.

· Deb restored honor and human dignity. Isaiah 61:1-3, 7

· She did something about her brothers and sisters in need.

· Deb didn’t turn a cold shoulder, but rather displayed the love of God.

· She met both physical and relational needs. 1 John 3:17

· Deb acted justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with her God. Micah 6:8

· Deb showed mercy born out of her own hurt. 2 Corinthians 1:4

· She stored up treasures in heaven. Matthew 6;20

· Deb Smith invited the homeless poor into her house. Isaiah 58:7

· Deb showed compassion to the poor. Matthew 25:31-36

· Deb reached out to the homeless and loveless in their plight. James 1:27

· Deb was merciful to sinners, like Zacchaeus. Luke 19:1-10

· Deb Smith was non-judgmental towards people like the adulterous woman. John 8:3-8

· She showed compassion to those who didn’t deserve it. Luke 15:21

· Deb noticed and embraced those outside her own social circle. Luke 14:12-14

How will the world speak your name in years to come?