Eulogy Virtues vs. Resume Virtues
In my small group, we are studying John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way. In his book, he references author David Brooks, who poses the question of eulogy virtues versus resume virtues. It made me think about how some people are so focused on a level of career success that they forget what real success is all about. While the accomplishments on a resume are important, are we spending enough time on how people will remember us as followers of Christ? A eulogy links us to the friends we made, the children we have nurtured, and the people we have touched. It holds the mark you leave behind in this world. If you put your life’s journey into this perspective, you will see that there is no room for regrets, fears, negative energy, and guilt because you want your eulogy to convey only the best your life has to offer.
What will your eulogy convey? What more can you do? Give some thought to your dreams about living life on earth as it is in heaven. See how you can branch out further from your comfort zone and evolve into the perfect person you were born to be. Have you been able to pursue your true calling and recognize the gifts God has given to you?
A frequent question asked in a Bible study setting is who made the greatest impact in your life and why. Most of the people in my small group were blessed to know Pastor Dick Sanders. Pastor Dick was one of the Hillspring pastors who unfortunately passed away. His name is always at the top of the list of people who made an impact. We have never talked about his education, his alma mater, or how many degrees he might have earned. It’s always about the love he had for Christ, how he treated people, his inner light, and how he never thought about himself. I had the privilege of working with Pastor Dick for many years. I cherish those years knowing I was witnessing what living as a disciple can be.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8
We can’t choose what calls us; we can only listen and have the courage to accept what it tells us and that’s exactly how Pastor Dick lived. What are your character strengths and talents? There are many ways to make this discovery. It is easy to take for granted what comes so easily to us and assume anyone could do it. Guess what? They can’t. When you are doing your true calling, you will have peace enjoying what you do, and you will feel God with you. He will bless you along the way, enabling you to do it beyond your best capabilities. Those are the things people will want to share about you.
Of course, great eulogy virtues or resume virtues are not an either/or but something we should always strive to attain. God wants us to live our best life in all things, whether it be in the workplace, in a volunteer setting, or day-to-day living. Even if our children and grandchildren are aware of our external achievements, how they were treated, valued, and loved will be their best memories.
I pray you discern your life path seriously, discover your gifts, and find your true calling. May your journey be filled with all that being a follower of Christ can offer.
Blessings,
Peggy Zumhofe
Executive Pastor