Living a Legacy

"Live for today" is a common philosophy in our culture. Even when that idea isn't expressed in words, it is frequently carried out in people's choices and behavior. However, as Christians, we must realize that the way we live now affects far more than just "today." Our thinking, conduct, and conversation will become our legacy, impacting others when we are no longer here. What will be the legacy you leave behind? When God created you, He had a very specific purpose in mind for your life, and He endowed you with all the abilities and talents you would need to accomplish His plan. Unfortunately, most people do not stop to consider the Lord's personal will for them, but the Scriptures clearly reveal that He has a two-fold purpose for His children: first, that we be involved in His work, and secondly, that we bring Him honor and glory. (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 6:20) We carry out God's intentions by involvement in those things that bring praise to Him. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Contrary to what many people think, the number of years one lives is less important than how that lifetime is invested. When I think about effectiveness versus longevity, a man named Oswald Chambers comes to mind. He is the author of My Utmost for His Highest, the best-selling devotional of all time. He dedicated his entire life to God and is considered by some to be one of the greatest Christian thinkers of modern time. Oswald Chambers was born on July 24, 1874, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where as a teenager, he became a Christian under the ministry of Charles Spurgeon. His death, the result of a ruptured appendix in 1917, left a tremendous void in the churches and fellowships he served. Though he lived only 42 years, this preacher's work lives on today even more powerfully than it did during his lifetime. His writings still offer wisdom and strength to many believers, and through his words, God continues to change lives for Christ's sake. I was a college student when I first read his devotional. What impressed me most then?and still rings in my heart today?is that the most important thing in life, by far, is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Every time I pick up My Utmost for His Highest, I am blessed. Though Oswald Chambers died nearly a century ago, he is still alive through his ongoing influence on countless lives. Our Life After Death When considering life after death, Christians think mostly about what will happen when they get to heaven, while unbelievers may contemplate the question of what will become of them. What about the part of our lives that remains here after we have gone? What lives on?our spiritual legacy?has everything to do with how you and I are living right now. You may think, Compared to Oswald Chambers, I don't have much of a testimony, but that is not true. What you do this very day?the priorities you demonstrate through your use of time and resources, as well as the way you handle relationships?will leave a witness for either good or evil. What do you hope people will remember about you when you are gone? As an illustration, consider the legacy of various people in the Bible. When I think about Abraham, I recall his great faith. When Moses comes to mind, I remember the Ten Commandments that God gave him. David has been gone for centuries, but the Psalms?his words of comfort and encouragement?endure. Another example is the apostle Paul. He was beset by terrible obstacles and suffering but left epistles that give encouragement, guidance, and hope to millions. I read from Paul's works nearly every day and am continuously blessed by his insights in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and letters to Timothy. Consider the legacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, our ultimate example. In the short 33 years He lived on earth, He altered history forever. Through Him, we can live extraordinary lives despite our fallen condition. Think about people who have left an indelible mark on more recent history. Our country's Founding Fathers left an awesome legacy for millions who live in freedom as a result. Consider the hymn writers, who gave us words of worship, which praise our Lord while reinforcing our store of spiritual truths. And godly people are living out their legacy in our generation as well. For instance, Dr. Bill Bright has left us Campus Crusade, one of the greatest missionary discipleship movements in modern history. Dr. Bright was a quiet, unassuming man, but he gave his life to the Great Commission, and his obedience has changed many lives. You may be wondering, What about "ordinary" people? Then consider Lois. When Paul was writing to encourage Timothy during a trial, he said to the young minister, "For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well" (2 Timothy 1:5). Lois's profound faith was carried down through Eunice to Timothy. Her faith became a living part of Timothy's ministry. Parents and grandparents have a profound impact on children's lives. Very few people have ever heard of George Washington Stanley, but my grandfather left me a few simple truths, such as this: Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. I am so grateful for his advice concerning obedience, which continues to be the basis for my decisions. Far more important than any financial inheritance is the wisdom he left me, which continues to guide my life. And then there is my mother's legacy. As she endured constant hardships and trials, I witnessed her persistence and perseverance. She always said to me, "Never give up. Do your best, be your best, look your best. Be what God wants you to be." Her perspective and tenacity are instilled within my heart and mind. She left me something much more valuable than anything money can buy?an example to follow. As is true for most children, I learned far more from watching my mother live than by listening to what she said. In thinking about the difference your life can make both now and in the future, consider the following questions: ○ Will you leave your children a love for the Word of God? When your children and grandchildren are grown, hopefully they will be able to look back and say, "I remember my parents reading the Scriptures and talking about how God spoke to them through a verse. I recall decisions they made based on biblical guidance." They are more likely to love and trust Scripture if they know you valued it. And unless you hand down to them a stalwart faith in God's Word, you leave them vulnerable to the world's empty philosophies. ○ Will your children inherit the legacy of praying parents? How many times have your children seen you on your knees, crying out to the Lord during trials or thanking Him for who He is? Your visible and audible prayer life becomes a picture indelibly imprinted on their minds?an image critical to their future reliance upon God. Your sons and daughters must hear you say, "We have to pray for God's direction about this." They also need your positive feedback when they mention how the Lord is answering their prayers. ○ Will your children recall you taking them to church? Will they remember that you regularly worshipped the living God, not out of obligation, but because of your deep love for Him? Imagine the effect on them as they recall you taking notes during the sermon because you considered the message important and applicable?or when they remember the sound of your voice as you stood beside them singing praise to the Lord. There is simply no substitute for the impact of such recollections. ○ How have your children learned to spend their time and money? The way we use our resources is a clear lesson to the next generation. One of the best ways to teach children to trust is by giving cheerfully, "not grudgingly or under compulsion" to God's work. (2 Corinthians 9:7) This allows them to witness first-hand how He multiplies your investment. Sadly, many parents do not realize what a terrible legacy they leave when they don't give to the Lord's work. They are proclaiming clearly, "We cannot trust God to provide for our physical needs." Children pay closer attention to our actions than to any platitudes we offer. The Legacy of Your Witness One of the most important aspects of your legacy is your Christian witness. Do your children hear you talk about sharing your faith? Do you encourage their efforts to share the Good News? Likewise, the example of how you react to persecution, suffering, and pain is an important part of what you leave to the next generation. When they see you put your trust in the living God, they will do the same. You are leaving a legacy whether you want to or not, and your children aren't the only "beneficiaries." The world?your friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors?observes Christians to see if their claims are credible. What will your legacy be? How will God continue to work through your example and gifts when you are no longer here? I encourage you to be intentional, not just about your impact here and now, but with regard to your influence for Jesus Christ throughout eternity.