Preach the Gospel, Die, and Be Remembered

Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.

-Nicolaus Zinzendorf

This pious saying was uttered by Moravian bishop Count Zinzendorf. It sounds so spiritual, doesn’t it? (It averages about 100 shares an hour on Christian social media.) Only problem is, it backfired. Royally. The poor fellow is mainly remembered for this quote! Ironic, eh? The wise words of Master Oogway come to mind: “One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.”

Ol’ Zinzy has been long remembered, and well he ought to be. The missionary-minded man has left a good and worthy name to posterity. In fact, according to a wiser than Zinzendorf:

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.

-Proverbs 22:1

A good name means a good reputation. It is to be known and remembered. Turns out, it’s even better than wealth. Great Scott! A good name is a treasure all its own. How’s about we preach the gospel, die, and be remembered fondly by our families, friends, and acquaintances? Could be the move.