Legacy

    If we think of Starbucks, everyone knows it's a coffee name. If we think of Apple, we all know that it is iPhone or laptop. If we think of Toyota, we know that it is all about cars. If we think of Nike, we know it is about shoes and sports apparel, or the Greek god of victory. 

The costly perfume

    All of those have been known for what they have accomplished and what they are continuously doing. Whether a new invention, new coffee, new technology, or new design. They have their specialties. Their strengths, and expertise for their products. I would say that they have attained a good name in their sphere of influence. They have their own unique identity. They have built up their legacy.

    “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth” - Ecclesiastes 7:1. 

    I think what Ecclesiastes is saying here is that who you are as a person is far way important than your external appearance or temporal material traits. It might also mean that a good name is more valuable than riches. Perfumes even those times are truly expensive. NLT version says, “A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume”. Name includes a wide range of deeper meanings. It symbolizes achievements, skills, experiences, your main identity as a whole. NLT and CEV use the word, “reputation.”

    This pertains to the legacy that one can be known for at the time of his death. I've heard countless speakers and pastors who often say, “How do you want to be remembered when you die on earth?”, or the illustration of the RIP picture and the dash. The device used by the writer is through comparison. He compares the event of death and the event of birth saying that death is better. How about you? What are you doing right now? If you know that death is inevitable and our life will eventually end, what do you want to be known for? A good name is essential in the present but this verse puts its emphasis in the context of death. 

    When Steve Jobs died people had known him as the great revolutionary. Michael Jackson died and people had remembered him as the “King of Pop” contributing to a lot of songs that had become imprinted on each of everyone's memories. Just last year Kobe Bryant a.k.a. “the black mamba” who had been referred by Michael Jordan as the only one who might be able to beat him.

    These were just some of the examples who have built on their name through their achievements or contributions to society. But other factors constitute having a good name. In verse 2 it says, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” - Ecclesiastes 7:2. My professor added, "the house of mourning helps us reflect on the deeper questions of life than the house of feasting".

    In my perspective, the most important part of a funeral is when the key people of the dead person start to give their eulogies. A majority of the speech is composed of praise and commendations for the dead person. His/her character, goodness, kindness, and some excellent qualities can serve as a role model to everyone. Favorite memories with life-giving lessons are often narrated. Maybe that's the reason why he said it's better to go here than to parties.

    Going to a funeral compared to parties that life is quick. Life is not full of enjoyment and there are times of sadness, or sorrow, and loss. When we go to funerals our awareness of these realities heighten. We started to feel sad to the closest family members and try to comfort them. We become more kind and show some expressions of empathy. Don't you know that just showing up at the funeral helps the person who is grieving? We don't have to say anything or give anything. But just the moment we are there, our presence means something to them. At parties, we indulge ourselves with enjoyment and pleasures to our own benefit. We eat, drink, dance, socialize. It gives us energy and a great mood. 

Prayerful grandmother

    Two years ago, it was my very first time giving a eulogy. It was the funeral for my grandmother. I often remembered her sweet voice calling my name every time we visit her in their place before immigrating here in Canada. Her words are “full of grace and seasoned with salt” - Colossians 4:6. She became Christian in the latter years of her life. Maybe when I was 10. and tried to always share her faith with her offsprings. She always tended to go to church even at her old age and had been active in different ministries such as Prayer and Senior ministries. Growing up whenever my father talks with her on the phone she kept on praying for us.  

           Every detail of our lives no matter how big or small it is, she always prays. She prayed for every taekwondo competition that I participated in. She had made a huge influence and impact on her church and ministries. In my eulogy, I kept on sharing her passion and commitment to prayer. One of the traits that impacted my life was her full commitment and devotion to God, and her passion for praying for others.

    As I reminisce about that funeral I start to envision what would be like my funeral decades from now. What are the things that my offsprings or grandkids or close friends tell me? I started to wonder, will I just be known for a cheerful and energetic person known for his humor? Or would there be a lot more? How about the people that I've helped? My ministry? Or my contribution to society? Who am I as a co-worker? As a leader? These areas in my life reflect who I am. It forms my identity. My brand. My name.

    At the moment I try to have a blueprint of my life for the next 5, 10, and 20 years. Everything that I do, I'd make it a point to build my brand. Drawing from my professor's thoughts, wonder if Paul would commend us using this terminology "my brand" as a kind of marketing language for one's self. Perhaps can we view it in a different way and have a careful examination of Galatians 2:20.

Behind the brand

    I want to be known for someone whom you can trust, teaching and mentoring people to the right way of life, and serving the community.

    I make it a point to be connected to the church that I'm involved and volunteering to ministries. I share my time and knowledge on leading the youth or men to know God and bible study. I talk and catch up to important people in my life whether here or in other countries through social media letting them know that they can trust me. Part of teaching and leading people is my competency for learning. I read books and continuously study to enhance my knowledge. Speaking in front of people whether in a pulpit or small group setting is a high privilege and a true honor. I give them a huge disservice if I am not well-prepared nor equipped to share truths with them.

    What about you? Let me invite you just to paint a picture of your funeral. Imagine those people who will be standing in front and would deliver eulogies for you. Now, I want you to carefully consider what would they say in their speeches. Is there something you want to add? To edit? Or to delete? Considering those it is never too late to do some significant steps right now as you build your “good name” among your sphere of influence or your legacy. Start doing something now.