Funerals seem to be a time of reflection. It is a time to reflect on the memories of the person who died. You either have great memories of that person, or sadly, not so much!

It seems all the memories, of the deceased, come out at a funeral. The preacher seems to bring out the positives. Sad to say, sometimes it can be very hard to have good memories of some individuals. However, a funeral is not the time to be brutally honest about someone if their character was bad. But their character will not escape our memory. We all hold memories in our heart of an individual’s character, legacies that they left.

Funerals are also the place where reality hits us squarely in the face, reminding us of our appointment with death. For a moment we are forced to focus on death and the reality that we will not live forever. And yes, none of us will escape the ending of our physical life. In Genesis 3:19 it says, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

As we age, and death becomes more of a reality, we begin to focus on making a will. Deciding what material things we will leave behind and to whom. Having things in order when we die is love for our loved ones. But do we give it much thought as to what legacy, character or good memory we will leave behind? Material things fade away, but the legacy that you leave will transfer on to your children, friends, and those you have touched while you were alive.

So what memories will you leave behind, for people to reflect on when you die? And what legacy will you leave behind for your children to carry on and hand on to their children? This is an important question to ask if you want your children to be blessed.

It must start with your devotion to God. Your legacy begins in your heart and your response to God. Psalm 112:1-2 reads, "How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed."

The Ten Commandments -- which are not the “Ten Suggestions” or “Ten Opinions” -- is our blueprint for life in how to build good memories with our families, co-workers, neighbors, church, communities and most of all with God. “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed” (Psalm 112:1-2 NIV).

And young people, it is not too early for you to give thought to the legacy you will leave behind. In Ecclesiastes 12:1 it reminds us, “Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore." Sadly, too often, a young person’s life is cut short for various reasons. God admonishes you to remember Him as you live your life because you will give an account for your actions.

Yes, what will people think of you at your funeral? What legacy will you leave your love ones? Here are two quotes to consider:

“Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.” - Steve Saint

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” - Shannon L. Alder

Live a life that fears, loves, obeys and respects your Creator, God the Father. If you do this you will leave a great legacy for your family, friends, and neighbors -- and great will be your reward in God’s Kingdom.