Toward the end of the nineteenth century-
Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel awoke one morning to read his own obituary in the local newspaper:
”Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, who died yesterday, devised a way for more people to be killed in a war than ever before, and he died a very rich man.”
Actually, it was Alfred’s older brother who had died.
A newspaper reporter had bungled the epitaph.
But the account had a profound effect on Nobel.
He decided he wanted to be known for something other than developing the means to kill people efficiently and for amassing a fortune in the process.
So he initiated the Nobel Prize-
– the award for scientists and writers who foster peace.
Nobel said:
”Every man ought to have the chance to correct his epitaph in midstream and write a new one.”
Few things will change you as much as looking at your own life as though it were finished.
What kind of legacy will you leave behind one day-
– when you are gone from this earth?
Will your children, grandchildren, and family members remember you-
– as one who followed obediently after the Lord each day of your life?
You and I are surrounded by people-family, friends, and acquaintances-who are watching the words we use and the things we do in this life.
It’s not too late to begin writing your epitaph.
Strive to leave a legacy-
– that will bring others to Jesus.
Ask the Lord to make your life a testimony-
– of His love and grace to those around you and those you leave behind.
(PA)