When the time arrives for you to breathe your last breath on planet earth, how would you like to be remembered? It is a sobering question, isn’t it? Perhaps you have never given it any thought at all. If that is true, why not give it some consideration now?
Happy and healthy individuals normally want to make a positive impact on the world while they are living. To leave no lasting legacy behind would be like making footprints in the sand as you stroll down the beach and have them wash away as soon as the next high tide comes marching in. In other words, you would be here today, and tomorrow you would be gone — and forgotten.
Our country, officially founded as a nation in 1776, has had forty-five presidents. Every one of them, particularly in their last year or two of service, has given strong consideration to how they want to be remembered. They refer to this as building their legacy. National leaders throughout history have attempted to leave great monuments which would guarantee that their names not be forgotten.
Have they succeeded? Consider the most famous pyramid in Egypt called the great Pyramid of Giza. Do you remember who built it? Neither did I – until I looked it up. His name was King Khufu, not exactly a household name. The Shah of India built the Taj Mahal because he wanted his third wife to be remembered by others for centuries. Do you remember her name? I doubt it. It was Mumtaz Mahal. The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure in the world. Astronauts can even see it from outer space. Yet no one remembers the name of Chin She Whon Tea, the man initially responsible for this incredible structure.
Who are the individuals whose names you will remember as long as you live? It is very likely those who have touched you and blessed you in specific ways without wanting personal recognition. It is very easy to remember the names of those whose primary objective is to serve others. It is the names of those who live primarily to serve their own interest that you will find the easiest to forget.
The names in my Hall of Fame that I will never forget are too many to list, but I will mention a few. First of all, I would list my mother and father who modeled for me what it means to be a Christian. There were dozens of dedicated teachers, all the way from elementary school through college and seminary, who shared their knowledge with me and taught me to pursue truth wherever it is found.
There were and still are many dedicated Christians whom I have served as pastor since 1949, whose commitment to Christ and whose love for my family and me, have made my labors for the Lord a genuine joy. Their names are locked within a secure place in my heart where they will never be forgotten. Such friends have warmed me by their presence, trusted me with their secrets, and remembered me in their prayers.
You may also have such a list of people who have touched your life in unique ways. You have forgotten most of the names of those who sought only to serve themselves, but you will never forget the names of those who sought primarily to serve others. Do you know someone who needs to discover God’s gift of grace? Individuals saved through your effort will be grateful forever that you took the time and made the effort to bring them into God’s presence. It is the finest way to leave your footprints in the sands of time.
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
The Paper Pulpit 
Del continues to share words of profound wisdom. He has touched tens of thousands of lives over his long and distinguished career. Write on, brother, write on.