A celebrated life is one that is lived well and satisfactorily by the measure of reasonable expectations of human existence.  A life lived fully and completely, without undue conflicts and antagonism with fellow human beings, qualifies to be characterized as a celebrated life.

There are, however, certain factors that characterize a celebrated life, and among them are the following:

  1. A SELFLESS Life
  2. A STEADFAST Life

A Selfless Life

Rarely will anyone be celebrated for having lived a selfish and self-centered life.  In fact, selfish individuals are derided and considered as evil in their hearts, because such individuals will invariably disadvantage others for their own personal gain.

But when someone lives to make the lives of others better, and works to uplift the welfare of others, such a life is worth being celebrated by those who have been recipients of such goodness.

The hallmark of selfless people is in how gracefully they carry out their responsibilities, without complaining or raising unnecessary arguments; and that’s why the bible tells us, “Do everything without complaining or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14).  When you observe an individual who incessantly complains about one thing or another in their course of life or duty, you can safely conclude that they are either selfish or have an embittered spirit, which no one wants to celebrate.

It should be noted that many men and women who have left a legacy of making a difference in society, are in the majority those who lived for the good of others.  Think of some names of people you may know who have left an indelible positive mark on human history, you will see a trail of acts of kindness and sacrifice for others.  The bible says, “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:24).

A Steadfast Life

A steadfast life is one that’s consistent and has an unquestionable character.  This is living with integrity.  Who wouldn’t celebrate such a life?

Most of us have encountered individuals, even among so called Christians, who have such checkered characters that you can never trust them to be true to their word.  These are individuals who shift in tandem with their appetite for self-aggrandizement, and could care less if along their life’s path they have compromised their spiritual or moral standing, as long as they achieve their end.

We are grateful, though, that there are those who exude stability of character and have a sustainable demeanor of honoring their word.  They live with an unquestionable and blameless character.  Philippians 2:15 encourages us to live a celebrated life, “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…”

A celebrated individual never puts stumbling blocks in the path of other people, instead they make it possible for them to excel by removing obstacles out of their way.  This is what we learn from scripture, “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.  Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way…” (2 Corinthians 6:3-4a).

Therefore, to live a celebrated life, begin or continue expending your efforts in the interest of others; and do it with integrity of heart before the Lord and fellow human beings.

What I am about to say, in conclusion, is not meant to demean the somber and respectful feeling we should have as we walk among the tombstones of our cemeteries.  I have taken interest, sometimes, in reading what is written on some of the elegant tombstones.

In the most part, if not all, there are very endearing expressions of celebrating the life that was, but now buried here.  But another thought quickly goes through my mind. What kind of epitaph has God written over the life that was then, but now has its body buried here?

Live a celebrated life!