What will last
At the funeral of a famous personality, his status and wealth were clearly represented in many ways—in the lavish flower arrangements on stands and draped over the expensive casket, the number and prominence of the guests in attendance, and finally, the massive stone already placed at the gravesite. As he was being lowered into the grave, someone whispered the question that was on many people’s minds: “How much did he leave behind?” Someone nearby gave the correct answer: “He left everything!”
It’s true—you cannot take it with you
Billy Graham once said in a sermon, “I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” The fact is, everyone—rich or poor—will eventually die, and none of their earthly possessions will go with them. The only thing that truly matters, and will last, is what was done in obedience to God’s calling—the assignment (ministry) for which each person was created.
The Bible says we will all stand before God and give an account for how we lived our life on earth:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Cor. 5:10 ESV)
While You’re Still Alive
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim 4:1-5)
Therefore
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,” (Psalm 103:17)
“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” (Prov. 20:7)