A Significant Life

My Grandpa, R. B. Reed, died last week. He lived 84 good years.

He was not a prominent man, but he lived a significant life. Let me explain…

You can be signficant without being prominent. You can prominent without being significant. My nose is prominent. Everyone can see it. But you could remove my nose, and I could still live and function in society. On the other hand, my heart is significant but not prominent. I could not live without my heart. In Scripture, there was a group of people named the Pharisees that Jesus criticized because they sought prominence and ignored true significance.

In Matthew 6, verses 1-18, Jesus contrasts prominence and significance by the following:

1. Prominence seeks the attention of men, but significance seeks the attention of God.
2. Prominence seeks the glory of men, but significance seeks the glory of God.
3. Prominence seeks the reward of men’s applause, but significance seeks the approval of Heaven.
4. Prominence seeks instant gratification, but significance is patient with God’s timetable.

My Grandfather never accumulated material wealth, pastored a mega church, or became famous in this life. However, he faithfully started and pastored 7 different churches over a 62-year span. His descendents include 11 ordained ministers, 2 evangelists, 4 missionaries, 7 college professors, and 30 teachers.

I am thankful for a grandpa who was committed to being eternally significant!