Of course, my hometown newspaper lists five to ten people every day who have died, plus another fifteen or so from surrounding areas. And I live in a fairly small city. I conducted several funerals this year, and attended several more.

So what is the connection between the people in the first paragraph and those in the second? They all died. Some were famous, some not; some were rich, some not; some were mourned, some probably not. But they did all die. And so will you and I. Maybe not this year, or next, but someday. This life does not last. Most of you recognized many names above, but your kids would not. One hundred years from now, few will be remembered. And one thousand years from now, only a few will have a footnote in some out dated book.

So what is the point of life? If we are all going to die, and no one will remember us, what is the point of fame, money, accomplishments? It is to give yourself to something that matters long after you are gone. It is to make a difference for ever. It is to know that your life means something. It is to know that someone will know you for a hundred, or a thousand, or a thousand, thousand years.

You will be known and remembered forever because your life made a difference.

If you want to know your life matters, I can tell you how. It will not surprise you to hear me say I have found meaning and purpose for my life that will last forever. And it has nothing to do with me.

Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Email info@hopeforlife.org for information.)

Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you, sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions about becoming a new creation.

 

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© 2008 Herald of Truth Ministries

Title: "End of the Year Farewells"
Author: Steve Ridgell
Publication Date: January 30, 2008

The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren Takes the message of The Purpose-Driven Church and shows us how to apply it to our individual lives.

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

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