Faithful

Yesterday afternoon I attended a celebration-of-life ceremony for a faithful saint. He was an evangelist, mentor, teacher, church planter who went Home on Christmas day at 99 years old. To be honest, I didn't know him, but I taught for decades with his son, my friend and colleague, Mark Pifer. i taught his grandchildren and now am teaching his great-grandchildren. The body of Christ is connected in so many ways that we never know. 
Such times should serve as reminders for us:
Age does not disqualify anyone from service for the King. He has a place for you--find it.
Heaven will make the best retirement Home.
The reason God waits until the end of time to reward His children is because their work goes on even after their earthly life is ended. Dr. Pifer's ministry will continue on in the heart of countless others who have been touched by his life, ministered to in the churches he helped plant, and those still growing because of his teaching and encouragement. Like Abel, his life will continue to speak. Seeds planted will continue to mature and bring forth fruit.
The glory is all the Lord's. He equips, assigns, strengthens, and empowers us to do His will when, as His disciples we commit our lives to following Him--to the end.
And so we must ask ourselves the question: What are you doing for Him and the growth of His kingdom? Nothing else will pass the test of eternity. And there is only one grade: "Thank you, well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of my eternal presence."
At the end of the service, his son, Mark, exclaimed, "It was like a worship service." Yes, as it should have been. Dr. Pifer's life was an act of worship to his beloved Savior.