So far in the ministry, I have conducted 78 funeral services. When I receive a call about a demise, several questions flood my mind. One query, however, answers all the other questions: Did he know what counts?

From my perspective, I will share what counts.

First and foremost, the Lord Jesus Christ counts. NOTHING has meaning and purpose apart from the Savior.

• He existed before He created all that is visible and invisible.
• He designed us in His image.
• He loved us when we rebelled against Him.
• He died for each sin of each person.
• He saved us when we repented of sin and placed saving faith in Him.
• He helps us say "no" to wrong and "yes" to right.
• He walks through each dark valley with us.
• He answers our prayers.
• He translates our spirits to Heaven when we die.

Obviously, books could be written about why Jesus counts.

In the second place, the Bible counts.

• It tells us who Jesus is.
• It tells us where we came from.
• It tells us how to be saved.
• It tells us how to live.
• It tells us WHAT to think and HOW to think.
• It tells us about the hereafter.

Third, relationships count. In order for these relationships to be treasures, they must be rooted in Christ and fertilized by Him. The marital relationship, the parental relationship, the occupational relationship, and the church relationship find meaning, purpose, direction, stability, accountability, encouragement, fulfillment, and growth in Jesus.

When people read your obit, may they automatically associate you with what counts: the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Bible, the right relationships.

Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

I John 2:17, "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Revelation 14:13, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."