Futility or Purpose

Sometimes I check the profiles of those who leave comments. I read one where someone said, “My main ambition in life is to do something that’ll be remembered. I can’t stand the idea of being forgotten.” There are two ways his words can be taken. Does he want to be loved and therefore remembered, or does he just want to be remembered? If it’s the latter, he is a good candidate for a school shooting. He could have a name in the history books along with other creeps who used the bodies of dead human beings to build a monument to themselves.

I was hopeful that this isn’t the case, and this hope was strengthened when I read that this obvious non-Christian was reading the Bible. He was actually wading through the Old Testament, something that isn’t an easy task. I would suggest that he instead read the Gospel of John (John 20:30-31 tells why), and then go through the heavy reading.

It is because of his concerns that I have been praying for this man. Some people don’t think such philosophical thoughts. They are superficial in their lifestyle and superficial in their philosophy. Not so with this person, but the truth is, his fears will be realized in time--he is going to be forgotten. In 150 years no one will remember him or anything he did. John Wayne made over 160 films, but ask this generation who he was, and you will probably hear “Isn’t that an airport in California?” (It is).

That’s why I am heartened that this man is reading the Scriptures. It is one of the first signs that God’s hand is upon someone. As he reads the Bible he will find that there’s a God who knows everything about him. He knows when he speaks, sleeps, and goes in and comes out (see Psalm 139). God knows this man’s name, the deepest thoughts of his heart, and even how many hairs are upon his head (see Luke 12:7). It is my earnest hope that he will confess and forsake his sins, trust alone in the Savior with all of his heart, and come to know the incredible God who knows him so well. When that happens, the fact that God remembers him will be all that matters.

The fact that God knows and remembers me is an unspeakable consolation. When I pass through death, the fact that it has happened to billions of people before me, is irrelevant when it comes to God. I will not be disappointed. I have God's Word on it: "The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed" (Romans 10:11, Ampl. Bible).