I had a person tell me yesterday that I was the only person around that they would want to preach their funeral service.  I’m sure it was a compliment, but I have to admit that I was a little taken back by it.  This was a seemingly healthy person but they stated, “At my age, you start thinking about such things.” 

It did make me think — a little about them and what I might say, but more about me and what I would want my life to say when it finally comes to an end here on earth.  As I  thought about that, I remembered a sermon I preached a year ago as we were doing a series through the book of Acts.  The sermon was based on Paul’s final meeting with the Ephesian elders recorded for us in Acts 20.  I think it provides a workable outline for all of us to consider as we think about our FINAL Words.

Familiar.  Meaningful final words will most often be familiar final words.  Paul didn’t throw in any surprises, but gently reminds them of whose he is, what he’s taught them, and how he’s lived and served.  I can picture his listeners all nodding in agreement as he begins the conversation with words that were familiar because they not only described Paul’s teaching, but his life as well.  It is much easier to believe and connect with a person’s final words if they are familiar to how they lived and who they were.

Instructive.  The final words of a life ought also to be instructive.  These words give hope and peace.  While not stated here in the Acts 20 text, Paul’s life was lived in a way that left a clear instruction, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice” (Philippians 4:9).  Paul’s instructive words let his listeners know that he was aware of what was ahead of him — and he was okay.

Necessary.  Useful final words often contain a necessary element to them.  Things that really need to be said but may be difficult to say and/or hear.  Paul uses the necessary part of his final words to issue a warning.  He warns of danger from the outside and even from within.  Paul warns them that even from among those that are there with him, some would arise and seek to draw disciples away from God and to themselves.  Final words can be a good time to say what has to be said no matter what.

Assuring.  Good final words are assuring words to the hearers.  Even with the necessary warning words, Paul assures them that God can build them up and give them an inheritance.  Paul also assures them that he is not asking any more of them than what he has been willing to give himself.  There is something about good final words that assures others that not only are you going to be okay, they are going to make it as well.

Lasting.  Memorable final words are lasting final words.  Most people have some level of desire to leave a legacy.  I believe that if your final words are familiar, instructive, necessary, and assuring then they will be lasting.  Paul left not just the words of his mouth, but the words of his life and they had a lasting influence — so much so that we still read them today and gain comfort, courage, and conviction.

I pray that you and I would take the time to consider the FINAL words we are sharing with others.  Not so much the words of our mouth, but what are the words of our life saying to those who are watching?  May our FINAL words be a benefit for others to the glory of God!