Remember the thief on the cross who said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:40-43) The man being crucified next to Jesus had been tried and convicted of being a thief. But his last act on earth was to defend the innocence of Jesus and to ask the Lord to remember him.

Recently, I was really disappointed by the poor judgment of some people that I care about. They had a respectful approach to similar situations in the past. And this is one of the reasons they had earned my respect. But, their current actions have left a really bad taste in my mouth! I have forgiven them. However, I no longer know what I can expect of them. A trust was bruised and it will take some time and effort for that trust to heal and to be rebuilt.

In reflection, I considered this. Why is it that the very last thing we do, good or bad, is the most remembered? All of the good things we have done in the past can be cancelled out with one instance of greed, impatience, dishonor, disrespect or disobedience. But in the same manner, the last good thing that we do can leave a good taste in the mouths of others to recall. Just like the thief on the cross, who told the truth and honored the Lord as his last act. And this earned him a place in paradise.

So, let’s be mindful of our actions so that the last taste we leave is a sweet savor unto the Lord. And not something that He would prefer to spit out!!

Ecclesiastes​​ 10:1 (KJV) Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

Revelation 2:19 (KJV) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.