Learn to leave a mark, not a stain

When a man dies, he will either leave a mark or a stain by the example he was while living. The greatest legacy a man can leave his family is a legacy of integrity.

But for the grace of God, if I had died 40 years ago, I would have left a stain on my family and the people that knew me best. I was a hypocrite, a practicing drunk going to church regularly playing the religious game.

I was a bad example for my family. I was on my way to hell, talking about God, but not having a relationship with His Son, Jesus.

In 1974, God directed me to a 12-step program that removed the addiction of alcohol from my life. Six years later, in His mercy, I was introduced to His Son, Jesus, and I accepted Him as my Savior. Because of that relationship, and not anything that I did, but of what He did, today I’m able to be a good example for my family.

Prior to that spiritual experience, I was a carbon copy of the behavior and customs of this world. The Bible says that after that experience, you are a new person, transformed by changing the way you think (Romans 12: 1-2). It’s not until then that you know God’s Will for your life, which is good and pleasing to Him.

Does that mean that our walk is easy? Believe me, it isn’t! As long as we live, we still have that old sin nature with all the temptations in life. The difference is that we are conscious of sin and know where to turn when we fail.

As I approach the age of 78, my days are numbered. I pray that I can be a godly role model for my family for as long as I have left.

God has been so good to me. He’s allowed me the opportunity to leave a mark instead of a stain.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.