For you are dust and unto dust you shall return. (3:19b, NKJV)

In his book The Road to Character David Brooks wrote that in life there are Résumé and Eulogy Virtues. 

Résumé Virtues are those that the world values; high test scores, professional achievements, and titles. They don’t really define a person’s character, though.

I remember doing the funeral for a well-known political figure. As I met with the family they were strangely silent when I asked about their favorite memories. Finally the wife spoke up. “I know that you have to say nice things about him. He was well known and respected in the community. But he was not a nice man at home.” Enough said. What a sad legacy.

Success and fame are good up to a point. But as Jesus once asked, “What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose their soul (Matthew 16:26 & Mark 8:36).  

Eulogy Virtues, on the other hand reflect a person’s character. They are things like humility, kindness, and bravery.  These virtues parallel the spiritual virtues, of love with no strings attached, a love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things along with joy, a peace that passes human understanding, patience, generosity, gentleness, self-control, and kindness.

Every day we are writing our legacy.