I’ll never forget the day Jerry Springer died. Best known for hosting a controversial tabloid-like TV talk show bearing his name, Springer was also a successful attorney, almost won a seat in the House of Representatives, and was mayor of Cincinnati for a year. But no one remembers him for those things. He’s best known for hosting a raunchy, somewhat staged, chair-throwing, non-stop brawling, anything-goes, highly censored sideshow where each episode was reported for having somewhere between 85-130 bleeps for explicit language and multiple pixelated moments of nudity and obscenities. America ate it up to the point his show surpassed Oprah Winfrey’s in ratings twice. Springer once said, “I would never watch my show. I’m not interested in it. It’s not aimed towards me. This is just a silly show.” While he may have attempted to downplay it as a simple “gag” or “fake show”, it’s how his life is best remembered. We will all be remembered for something.

My goal isn’t to degrade Jerry Springer. The point is this: How do you want to be remembered? What legacy will you leave? How you and I live our lives will make the difference. Who we live for is the difference. Sadly, one big mistake or sin can overshadow all the good one may have done. That’s why Scripture says to live “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2). That means “blameless in your character and integrity”. Above reproach does not mean sinless perfection, as Jesus is the only one who never sinned. It means living a life that strives for spiritual maturity in Christ. An above-reproach life is not one void of mistakes and sin, but one that has repented of them seeks and exhibits change, avoids immorality and evil, and has built a reputation of Christlikeness. This kind of person honors God with their lives, lips, actions, decisions, and relationships. An above-reproach person is one who seeks forgiveness and reconciliation, extends grace and compassion, and pursues honoring God in all their ways. When someone brings an accusation against an above-reproach person, it’s hard to believe because their reputation is the extreme opposite. When someone brings an accusation against a person not above reproach in their character, it’s easily believable.

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). I’ve had some rotten fruit in my life. I desire to be known as a fully devoted follower of Jesus. I hope my life displays how Christ changed a selfish, prideful, arrogant, and sinful man into a loving, giving, serving, worshipper of Jesus. I’m not there yet. I pray the mistakes and sins I have committed are overshadowed by grace, good works, and repentance. I pray against self-righteousness and desire genuine humility. Pray for me. I want the fruit of my life to be, “Jesus shined above and through a wretched sinner.” May people say, “He sure wasn’t perfect, but he sure did live for Jesus.” When all is said and done, what fruit will be displayed in your life? On the day you die, how will your life be remembered?

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stephenrharrison

Stephen Harrison is the Lead Pastor at The Summit Church in Saline County Arkansas (www.thesummitchurch.org). Stephen and Haley began dating at age 15 (Haley) and 16 (Stephen) but met in the preschool as they grew up together in church. During Stephen’s previous pastorate, he led the church to plant two other churches and baptize 600+ in 9 years.

Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University.

Stephen has a heart for community engagement and has served on the boards of the White Hall Food Pantry, Inc., Voices for Children Foster Care Ministry, Hope of the Delta Crisis Pregnancy Center, and The CALL foster care and adoption ministry. Stephen helped start the Delta Network Association of Arkansas, which plants, revitalizes, and resources churches in the delta of Arkansas. The Harrison’s have two daughters, Kylee and Abby, and one son, Tate.

Stephen is the author of 7 books. Biblical Elders: a 12-Week Journey in Biblical Eldership, Biblical Deacons: A 12-Week Journey in Biblical Servanthood, How to Have Inner Joy While Experiencing Utter Chaos: A 10-Weei Devotional in Philippians, My Refuge My Strength: A 150-Day Journey Through Psalms, 25 Jesus Filled Days of Christmas: Devotionals to Help Families Keep Their Eyes on Jesus, One on One Discipleship: 52 Discipleship Lessons to Help Disciples Make Disciples, and The Proverbs Man: 31 Days of Walking in Wisdom. All available at http://www.amazon.com.

When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, kayak fishing, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and most importantly spending time with his wonderful family.