I was blessed to visit Pakistan in 2009.

While there, I loved the experience of going to the Wagha border of Pakistan and India near Lahore for the flag ceremonies at the end of the day.

It was quite a spectacle: crowds on both sides of the border screaming for their respective countries and Pakistani and Indian soldiers high-stepping toward one another with their flags (these soldiers were huge. . .with crushing handshakes).

But one of the best parts of the event was watching an old, bearded man dressed in the Pakistani flag (and carrying one too) walk back and forth in front of the Pakistani crowds whipping them into a nationalistic frenzy.

After the festivities, I had the privilege of meeting this patriot – this iconic “cheerleader” for his beloved country. His real name was Mehar Din, but he was known as Chacha Pakistani.

Mehar Din died just a few months ago. Neither he nor his family had the money to take him to the hospital. He was 90 years old, had no wife, had no home of his own, had no income, and hitch hiked or walked 40 kilometers to the border every day to lead cheers for Pakistan.

I must say, I respect people who have strong belief, exhibit strong commitment, and live out strong actions (for good causes). It seems that Mehar Din was this kind of person. It seems that he loved Pakistan with all his heart.

Let me ask you. . .

What are you committed to?

What actions do you perform that tell people what you believe in?

What is the love of your life?

Who would you die for?

How will you be remembered?

While I sincerely admire Mehar Din’s all-consuming love for his country, are there other loves to be remembered for – in fact, greater loves?

In the Holy Injeel, the words of Jesus are recorded about the two highest loves:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these'” (Mark 12:30-31).

Love for country is a good thing.

But love for God – and people – is the greatest. It is the highest, the ultimate. It is supreme.

I want to be remembered as a “cheerleader” for God – speaking everywhere of His greatness and sacrificial love to anyone who will listen.

I want to be remembered as a “cheerleader” for my neighbors – believing in them, encouraging them, helping them.

Someday all of us will die. We will all approach a final “border.”

Who you love – what you love – will determine not only how you are remembered – but where you spend your eternity.