I was recently asked to write my own eulogy. No, nothing is wrong. It was simply an exercise, one meant to sharpen focus. Envisioning the end of our lives, complete and accomplished, has a way of helping us prioritize what truly matters today.
Have you ever thought about your own? What would it say? What will you be remembered for?
At first, I was tempted to list all of my accomplishments—beautiful homes I’ve built, my incredible wife, or the amazing kids I’ve raised. But today, as I read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 11:22–28, I’m rethinking that impulse.
Paul’s version of a eulogy might read like this:
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A Hebrew
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An Israelite
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A descendant of Abraham
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A servant of Christ
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Imprisoned, beaten, often near death
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Whipped, stoned, beaten with rods
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In danger everywhere he went
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Hungry, cold, and exposed
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Sleepless and burdened
That list doesn’t exactly fill you with warm fuzzies. And yet—Paul says it’s the part he’s most proud of. Why? Because those were the moments of his greatest weakness, when he was most dependent on Christ. In that dependence, he was at his strongest.
Ironically, we’re taught the opposite. We’re told to find our strengths and exploit them. But Paul warns against this mindset. In verse 3, he says:
“I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.” (NLT)
He calls these success-driven philosophies different gospels—ones that may sound good but ultimately lead us away from Christ. And in verse 15, Paul gives a sober reminder:
“It is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
So if you were to die today—what would your eulogy say?
God willing, we all have years ahead of us. But every day, we get to choose:
Will our legacy be a record of worldly achievements?
Or will it be a story of ridiculous love and dangerous witness?