What Will You Be Remembered For?

INTRODUCTION

A friend once said, “Olanrewaju, if you wake up and no one says ‘thank you’ for yesterday, you’ve missed a day of your life.” That struck me deeply. Is it truly possible to do good every day? The answer is yes. Doing good isn’t just about giving money—it can be offering a smile, lending a listening ear, sharing a word of encouragement, praying for someone, or simply being present. Each day offers countless chances to make a difference. Little acts of kindness create ripples of impact. "Let every sunrise be a fresh opportunity to make someone grateful you were part of their yesterday.

In the quiet seaside town of Joppa lived a woman whose name transcended time—Tabitha, also called Dorcas. The Bible doesn’t exalt her with titles or fame, but with a simple, powerful description: “This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36, KJV). She wasn’t a preacher, prophet, or political figure—she was a vessel of kindness. Her legacy was not in words spoken, but in lives touched. Her sewing needle mended more than fabric; it mended hearts. Her death left a void so profound that widows wept, holding up the very garments that testified to her love. Her memory lived on—not in statues or scrolls—but in stories of hope and healing.

This challenges us deeply: when our time on earth is done, and our name is mentioned, what will we be remembered for?

LEGACY BEYOND WORDS

Throughout Scripture, the legacies of faithful men echo across generations—not because they were flawless, but because they were faithful and purposeful. They didn’t strive for recognition, but for righteousness.

David, the young shepherd boy, stood before Goliath with no sword, no shield—only a sling and unwavering trust in God. “You come to me with a sword… but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). His courage still breathes strength into fearful hearts today. Elijah, a prophet of fire, stood boldly on Mount Carmel. He didn’t just challenge false prophets—he turned a nation back to God (1 Kings 18:36–39).

Peter, the one who once denied Christ, was restored and empowered. On the day of Pentecost, he stood tall and preached with fire—bringing thousands into God’s kingdom (Acts 2:41). Paul, once a feared persecutor, became the Church’s most passionate apostle. He declared at the end: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

These were not men of mere reputation—they were men of legacy. Their lives still speak, not because of perfection, but because of purpose.

TWO TYPES OF MEMORIES — WHAT WILL YOURS ECHO?

Every life writes a story, and every day adds a line. But when the final chapter closes, what kind of memory will your life leave behind?

There are two kinds of legacies:

Positive legacies shine like stars. They inspire hope, bring healing, and reflect the heart of God. These are lives like Dorcas—ordinary people doing extraordinary good (Acts 9:36). Their kindness leaves footprints of joy, stories of compassion, and echoes of love long after they're gone.

Negative legacies, on the other hand, dim the atmosphere. They breed hurt, division, and regret. These are lives remembered not with tears of gratitude, but with sighs of what could have been.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 call every believer to live visibly impactful lives. Our actions should illuminate God’s love, not just reflect personal goodness. When we serve, give, forgive, and uplift others, we don’t just shine—we point hearts to heaven and bring glory to our Heavenly Father through everyday kindness. Your legacy is your light. Will it guide, or will it fade? Live intentionally—so your memory becomes a melody, not a murmur.

A BILLIONAIRE’S AWAKENING – FEMI OTEDOLA’S STORY

Femi Otedola, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men, once shared how his understanding of happiness evolved.

• He had wealth, but it didn’t satisfy.
• He had status, but it didn’t fulfil.
• He had control over industries, but something was still missing.

Until one day, he bought 200 wheelchairs for children with disabilities. When he handed them out personally, one child clung to his leg. Surprised, he asked, “Do you need anything else?”

The child looked into his eyes and replied,

“I want to remember your face, so that when I meet you in heaven, I can recognise you and thank you again.”

That moment, he said, changed his life.

True joy does not come from what we gather, but from what we give. The child wasn’t holding onto money—he was holding onto a memory of kindness, a glimpse of heaven through human hands.

YOUR TURN: WHAT WILL BE SAID OF YOU?

One day, your name will echo in places your feet will never step again. When that moment comes—when you’re no longer present—what will remain? Titles fade. Applause stops. But character whispers through time.

Will they remember you as a peacemaker when others fueled chaos?

• A giver when the world tightened its grip?
• A helper when helping wasn’t easy?
• A doer of faith when belief costs something?

“The memory of the just is blessed...” (Proverbs 10:7). Not the memory of the powerful, but of the pure.

In a world that rewards noise and overlooks grace, God honours the quiet strength, the gentle hand, the unseen sacrifice. The kind word spoken. The burden quietly lifted. The love given without a platform. When your name is spoken in rooms you’ll never re-enter, let it summon warmth, not silence. Let it carry the fragrance of a life well-lived. Let your echo be kindness. Let your legacy be light.

CONCLUSION

You may never stand on a global stage. But someone in your home, workplace, or neighborhood is watching you—and being shaped by your example.

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” – C.T. Studd.

So serve like Dorcas. Stand like David. Speak like Peter. Write like Paul. Love like Jesus. And may your name, when remembered, bring gratitude, not grief. May your legacy point to heaven—and may someone, someday, say, “Because of you, I saw God.”

Legacy is not measured in years lived, but in lives touched. Dorcas’ story reminds us that greatness isn’t always loud—it’s often woven quietly into acts of compassion, generosity, and unwavering love. What we do echoes into eternity, far beyond wealth or fame. The question, “What will you be remembered for?” is not one of vanity, but of eternal significance. Will your memory bring healing or hurt? Will your name stir gratitude or grief? Let your days count—not by accomplishments alone, but by how deeply you love, serve, and give. As heaven writes your story, may it be lined with testimonies of souls uplifted, burdens lightened, and lives transformed through your presence. Let your light shine with purpose. Because in the end, it’s not the things we built that remain—it’s the hearts we touched. Live intentionally, love sacrificially, and leave a legacy that heaven and earth will never forget. So, what will you be remembered for?

PRAYER POINT

Father, help me live a purpose-driven life, in the name of Jesus.