On the other hand, Harvard Business School gives Steve Jobs an “F” because he suffers from “smartest-guy-in-the-room syndrome,” “frequently parks his Mercedes in the handicapped spots because he believes regular rules don’t apply to him.” Some also criticised him as being a horrible person to work with.
My intent is not to judge if Steve Jobs were a great man but to point out an important observation: You will notice that all the praises and criticisms here have nothing to do with his wealth or intelligence but has everything to do with how much he contributed to the well being of others.
When you die, how will people remember you? The Bible tells us that we are the light and the salt of the earth (Matt 5:13-14). In other words, Christians exist for one purpose: to be a blessing to the world. In what sense are we the “light” and the “salt”? You are the light and the salt of the world when you point others to faith and obedience in God. God rewards acts of kindness. It more important, however, that these acts of kindness help others to live in faith and obedience to our Lord Jesus. Then, what you do is not only good but has everlasting value.
Has anyone because of you come to know the Lord Jesus as Lord and Saviour? May your life overflow with the likeness of our Lord Jesus, full of grace and truth that can touch lives. Paul says: “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1Co 9:19). If you want to save souls from eternal destruction into eternal life, you must be willing to put your self-interest aside for his sake.
Has any Christian because of your testimony been encouraged to love and serve the Lord more? May you be ever watchful of what you say and do, that you may not stumble any child of God but that you might be a good example that encourages others to follow the Lord faithfully. Thus, Paul says: “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom 14:19). Paul even says: “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble”. (1Co 8:13).
If you live a self-centred life that cares only about people who are important to you, you can be quite sure that no one will remember you. If, however, you are willing to put aside your self interests and live for your Lord Jesus and sincerely care and love others, putting others before self, then I am sure your life will be used by God to lead many to Christ and salvation, and to lift up weary souls to faith in Christ. Then when you pass away from this world, people will remember you.
What others think, however, of you is not really important. What matters is that your Lord Jesus remembers and will reward you for your kindness and love even when others have forgotten and are not grateful. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain” (1Co 15:58).