We live in a throw-away world. There was a time when a fine Swiss watch was to be treasured. If it didn’t keep accurate time or was broken, off it went to the watch repair shop. Then Timex came along. These watches were certainly not of the caliber of an Omega or TAG Heuer watch. They were inexpensive, reasonably accurate, and somewhat reliable. And if they broke…you tossed them and bought another. Increasingly that philosophy has carried through to other items we use in our world. You or your ministry probably have some media equipment on a shelf or in storage because no one wants to spend time, effort, or money repairing it. Few people take time or the trouble to fix something these days. Toss it and replace it.

Yet there are some things worth “repairing” versus replacing. We had a giclée print of a painting by a friend who has been the artist laurite of Texas. It became faded due to the sun shining into the room and on the wall where the painting hung. There was value to us because the painting reproduction was an artist proof and was given to us by the artist himself. Thankfully, a cousin (in-law) who is an artist agreed to restore the original work by painting over it, matching original colors and strokes. Her beautiful restoration work now hangs over the mantle on our fireplace. That artwork is now a twice-treasured item.

Recently, I was at memorial services for dear friends. One service was online, the other I attended in person. Both of these individuals were outstanding in their crafts. Though they worked in different fields with different skills, people recognized them for their unusual ability to do things above anyone else. One was known as a master “fix-it” guy!

But that wasn’t what impacted me.

As I listened to family and friends step to the podium at these two services, what struck me was the lasting impact of the love these men exhibited through the time they gave to others. They willingly shared their skills and their expertise, yes. But it was the time and attention given freely to others that stood out. To these friends and family, this translated into the most lasting attribute of the lives they were remembering and honoring…love.

It is interesting that when Jesus was quizzed about the most important truths for a follower of Christ, it came down to this:

The most important commandment is this: “…The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:29-31 NLT

I have adapted and adopted that passage as my philosophy of life. And I seek to live that out in all I do. As a matter of fact, that is the overarching philosophy I aspire to in leadership. Love…for God, and as a result of that love, for those God sends my way. Four words…profound impact.

Love God…love people.

Do you take time to listen to others, even when you don’t have time? Are you willing to share your expertise with others who might be a bit further back on the path…even when you are busy on something else? What about your family, the most important mission field the Lord has given you? Time? Attention? Do you freely give it?

When I sit through meaningful memorial services, my mind reflects on my dear friends, and the time and love I received from them. And it drives me to want to live that same way each day of my life. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the things that are most important…things that will last even beyond our years on earth. He concluded his brief treatise on the subject with these simple words.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Strive for what will last…not just for our days here, but for all eternity.

Love.