Ginger Reynolds Memorial

Ecclesiastes 7:1–3 ESV

1 A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.

It’s not strange to read this passage at a funeral, but we don’t often consider the first part of verse 1 about our reputation.

“A good name is better than precious ointment…”

Reputation from the world’s standpoint

One day we will be memorialized, eulogized, and what will people say about us?

Reputation from God’s standpoint

One day we wills and before our Creator, and what will He say about us?

There are two things to consider here:

To hear Him say that we are righteous and welcome in HIs presence (Ps. 16:11) involves making sure that we have reckoned with the gospel.2 Corinthians 5:21

To hear Him say “well done good and faithful servant” involves us being busy about the work He’s entrusted to us while we’re on this earth.

The coffin teaches us far more than the cradle, and if Ginger were here to address us today, these are the two things she would want us to take away 1) Am I right with God because I have repented of my sins and placed my full trust in Jesus as my Savior? 2) Am I living my life as a gift from the Lord as a steward who is busy with the things He wants to find me busy with when He returns?