How Will You Be Remembered?

            Sunday, September 25^th, a great warrior in the kingdom of God headed to Paradise.  Brother Neale Pryor will be remembered by countless people for many different reasons.  The Proverbs writer talks about two different perspectives of how someone’s life may be remembered, “Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 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. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (Proverbs 10:6–11, ESV).

            It can be said without a doubt that brother Pryor had blessings on his head while he journeyed through life.  As the Proverb says, our memory of him is a blessing as well due to his righteous life.  Even while he is in eternal rest, his memory inspires and convicts people to be better.  His name will be cherished in the years to come because of his character, example, and role he played in the life of the church and the world by showing others Christ.  His wisdom was evident with his diligent pursuit of God’s commands.  He shared those instructions with others in the classroom, from the pulpit, and with personal relationships speaking with grace and truth.  He certainly walked with integrity and because of that people trusted him.  He was not one to stir the pot of discord, but had a mouth of righteousness which was a “fountain of life” for all who were around him. 

            The passing of loved ones makes people consider how they themselves will be remembered.  The Proverb above has an inclusio “…the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”  When something is concealed it is covered completely or overwhelmed by something.  This is the idea here, that the mouth of the wicked is overwhelmed with violence.  There are two ways people can be remembered by: righteousness or wickedness.  Brother Pryor is remembered in righteousness.  How will you be remembered?