“Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him” (Acts 8:2).

It may sound morbid, but I often think about my funeral. I wonder who will be there and who won’t. I wonder what will be said about me. I wonder if there will be any tears shed. I wonder if people will be inspired to love God and neighbor more when they look back at my life. Stephen’s life had a profound impact on the believing community, and he was mourned greatly at his death. And why not? He had dedicated his life to caring for widows (Acts 6:5), alleviating suffering (Acts 6:8), preaching the gospel (Acts 7:2-56), and forgiving his enemies (Acts 7:60). I truly believe our families, congregations, and communities would benefit greatly if we would spend more time thinking about the inevitable day of our death.

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart” (Lam 7:2).

I wonder if people will be inspired to love God and neighbor more when they look back at my life.