Monday Musings... Be Remembered

There is a popular quote from a Moravian missionary from the 1700's named Count Zinzendorf. (If you don't like your name, at least be thankful your name isn't Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf!)  You will see this quote from Count Z make its rounds on social media from time to time. 

Here's the quote: 

Preach the Gospel, die, and be forgotten.  

I do appreciate this quote from the Count. It reminds me of the words John the Baptist spoke: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) 

We always want the glory to be given to God alone. 

We always let our light shine so that people will glorify our Father in Heaven, not us.  

But the more I think about this quote, the more I want to change it. 

Personally, I want to be remembered. Not because of a desire for fame or glory, or for people to think I'm a great guy... 

I want to be remembered because I serve a great God.  

I don't want my time on earth to end and then go out as someone who essentially never existed. I want something to last beyond my life. 

I want to plant seeds and water those seeds so that others can grow and be fruitful. 

I want to leave a legacy of faith and trust in God.  

Is it wrong to want to be remembered? 

I don't think so, at least, not for the right reasons. 

I think everyone should want the Lord to remember us. 

I think everyone should want to join the great cloud of witnesses who leave an example of a life that pleases God because we lived by faith.  (Hebrews 12:1) 

And then I was reading Psalm 112 last week which says: 

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.  They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112:4-7 (NIV) 

Isn't trusting in the Lord what it's all about? 

So, with appreciation to Count Z and his inspiring quote, I would like to change it for my personal reflection today. 

Preach the Gospel. Die. Be remembered.