Posts Tagged ‘legacy’

The Legacy We Leave

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

I enjoyed holding my three-year-old granddaughter Anna during yesterday morning’s church service. During the praise and worship songs, I balanced her on my hip and moved with the music. She’s a born dancer, so she loved every minute. She grinned at me and I grinned back, especially when she mimicked me as I raised one hand heavenward.

At one point, the worship leader led a familiar old hymn:

“I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene

And wonder how He could love me

A sinner condemned, unclean.

How marvelous, how wonderful

And my song shall ever be.

How marvelous, how wonderful

Is my Savior’s love for me.”

The lyrics moved me to tears as I thought about my unworthiness and Jesus’ deep love for me. I brushed those tears from my cheeks, aware of Anna’s curious stare. “What’s wrong, Grandma?” she asked. “Why are you crying?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” I answered. “These are happy tears. I’m happy because Jesus loves me so much. And He loves you, too.”

“Yeah,” Anna said. Her eyes sparkled. “Jesus loves me. That makes me happy!”

I want to remember yesterday’s scene forever. It intensifies my desire to leave a godly legacy for my grandchildren. It renews my resolve to walk in fellowship with God and to let Him have full control over my life with the hope that my descendants will do the same.  

Genesis 5:22,23 further strengthens that resolve. It tells the story of Enoch, a man who walked in close fellowship with God. He left a legacy that paid off several generations later. Guess who his great-grandson was? Noah—the man who found favor with God when the entire population around him was headed the opposite direction spiritually. Scriptures says that he, too, walked in close fellowship with God. He was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at that time (Genesis 6:8,9). I have no doubt that great-grandpa Enoch’s legacy played a role in Noah’s spiritual well-being.

I want to play a role in my descendants’ spiritual well-being, too. I want to leave a legacy that points them toward God. This happens as I walk in close fellowship with the Lord day by day, moment by moment, just as Enoch did.

How about you? Who played a role in your spiritual well-being? Whose legacy made a difference in your life?

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Wholehearted Minority

Friday, April 16th, 2010

What one word best describes your Christian life? For Caleb, the word is wholehearted. It’s used to describe him three times in Joshua 14 (NLT). Verses 7,8 make the first mention:

“I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the LORD, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.”

Caleb’s my hero. Unlike the majority, he refused to succumb to doubt and subsequent disobedience. He refused to focus on the obstacles, placing his sights on God’s character and promises instead. Fear paralyzed the Israelites but he moved beyond its threatening shadow. His heart was fully intent on following God no matter what.

God honors those who wholeheartedly follow Him. Unfortunately, it sometimes seems He’s dealing with a minority. While many claim their faith is strong, their actions prove otherwise when that faith is challenged beyond what’s comfortable. They succumb to fear and settle for the lowlands rather than embracing God’s commands as a challenge to conquer and possess new territory. They’re willing to do whatever God asks provided it’s easy and quick. In reality, the word half-hearted or three-quarters-hearted more accurately describes their Christian faith.

Caleb numbered among the wholehearted minority. I want to join him there. I want to rise above fear and the temptation to settle for a safe and comfortable life. I want to embrace God’s commands as opportunities to experience His promises, conquer the enemy, and possess new territory. I want to leave a legacy that shouts, “Grace wholeheartedly followed the LORD her God.” I know that comes with a cost, but Jesus deserves my best and my all.

How about you? What one word best describes your Christian life? I pray that it’s wholehearted. If not, what needs to change so you can join Caleb’s minority club?

The Iceland volcano has clouded skies and grounded thousands of flights this week. Here's a picture of blue skies over Greenland, taken two weeks ago while flying home from Europe.

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