Proverbs 10:7-8

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. the wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.”

These two verses are about legacy. What we leave behind, what we are remembered by. Not the things we have or even the people we were closest to, but character, integrity, and our standard of holiness.

I ask you today, what would your legacy be?

Would you be remembered for righteousness, for being like Jesus, for treating others with kindness? This kind of person leaves a mark, a “memory.” This memory causes others to want to be like Jesus. This memory blesses the people they marked. This kind of life takes persistence, discipline and intentionality, but this life is only life that leads to fulfillment and satisfaction. It’s like the feeling of giving an unexpected or undeserved gift. Being a blessing is a blessing in itself. Imagine your memory, your entire life, being that blessing.

Or would the memory of you warrant bitterness from those you loved? Would the memory of you be painful? Would you leave behind thoughts of absence, selfishness, wrong pursuits?

Maybe that picture is too harsh and maybe you find yourself somewhere in between. Still, the question remains, are you living the best story you could be living? Are you being the kind of person you want to be remembered for? Does your life point people to Christ?

Verse eight says, “the wise of heart receive commandments,” in other words, they receive correction. They take in the word of God and obey what it says. They know that to live a rich and satisfying life means walking in the way of the Lord, being close to Jesus and obeying his Word.

“But a babbling fool will come to ruin.” This person can’t be trusted. They let gossip control their tongue, ultimately controlling their reputation and their life. This person does not leave a memory of blessing, but their name comes to ruin.

In the small things and the big things, may our memory be worthy of remembering. May it bring honor and glory to the only one worthy. May we be remembered for wisdom and righteousness.

Which memory will you leave?

 

Photography: @alexamihalla