Category: Blessing Others

“A Living Eulogy”

Date: 11-22-14

Text: — James 3:9-12 — 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: I want them to hear my “eulogy,”

My Thoughts: 

Unlike a “Living Will,” a “Living Eulogy” is well before end-of-life issues. As a pastor, I have officiated many memorial services and funerals. After each one, I was determined to tell people how much I appreciate them well before their memorial service. I want them to hear my “eulogy,” if you will.

Lifestyle worshipers, do you agree with this? Don’t you find it ironic that all these wonderful things people are saying at a memorial service were rarely, if ever, said to the one being eulogized?  As believers, I think “living eulogies” should be more common than “living wills;” don’t you? Your thoughts?

(As a sidebar, the word for “praise” in v. 9 above is the Greek word from which we get our English word, “eulogy”—literally.)

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

— Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV84)

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

—Luke 6:27-28 (NIV84)

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

—1 Corinthians 4:12-13 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for not blessing my brothers and sisters more. Grant me the wherewithal and the courage to be more forth coming with my ‘living eulogies’. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike