Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Building Our Legacy

ACTS 5:27-29 – And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

THEME OF THE DAY. BUILDING OUR LEGACY. I recently went to West Virginia to be a part of a surprise eighty-fifth birthday party for my father. It was well-attended with many of his peers, neighbors and town folk I have known all my life, and even classmates of mine from a long, long time ago. As would be expected, I was flooded with many affirmations of my dad and what type of man he was and is. In addition, “phone photos” were happening all over the place. One particular setting contained four generations – my father, my son, my daughter, my son’s children, my daughter’s daughter, and myself. After the shot, I walked over to a corner of the hall where the party was held and thought about family generations. Particularly, I questioned what would be said of me if this party was for me? What type of legacy am I leaving to the family generations behind me? There are many answers to those questions and here are three answers which would be good for all of us to consider and live out the remaining days the Lord gives us in this life.

First, strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness to your word. Where I grew up, a small town there is one gas station, one pharmacy, one grocery store, and one red light. Traffic and lines are not problems in my hometown. However, one may find themselves making a short trip to the store for milk and bread extended as conversations occur just by seeing someone in the produce department! Happened to me on this trip as I encountered someone I played ball with in high school right near the fresh vegetables! But what I remember in this small town is that your word was a contract not to be broken. It was an unbreakable bond. And this is a good practice. When we promise to do something, or we make a statement of commitment, keep it. Always. A good reputation of keeping your word is priceless. Don’t neglect to return that phone call, answer that email, or stay the course on completing something with and for someone. It honors the Lord and builds a great legacy.

Another important part of our legacy, in fact, the most important, is to represent Jesus Christ well in our speech, attitudes, and actions. Make it our daily goal in every encounter with people, to leave the sweet fragrance of Jesus’ character behind – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). At the end of life’s journey, this is the greatest piece of our legacy we leave our children and friends.

A third aspect of a worthwhile legacy is tied to today’s scripture – But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” I particularly want to challenge parents and spouses in this area. Never compromise known truth. Never make allowances for worldliness that go against God’s clear commands. We will do more damage in our families and marriages if we compromise truth. And one area that is happening way too much in Christian families is compromising the Lord’s Day for secular events and activities. Where I grew up, there were no youth sports on Sundays. Didn’t happen. Today, sadly, Christians opt for their children for soccer or other sports on Sunday choosing to miss the instruction of God’s Word on His Day. Friends, here is a warning. We consistently compromise truth, God’s truth before our children, and don’t cry when they want nothing to do with the Lord and church. They will have watched too much compromise by us that turned them off. Be watchful and don’t give them a reason to walk away.

It was good to go back to West Virginia. I was reminded of the importance of building a noteworthy legacy and Lord willing, all of us are building one!

PRAYER: “Father, help me not allow any compromise of Your truth in my life that always tarnishes my testimony for You.”

QUOTE: “Live daily obeying God without compromise and do so relying upon Him who will enable you to do so”