A few years ago, I was asked to teach “LEAVING A SPIRITUAL LEGACY” to all the Adult Sunday School classes (combined) of a very large church in the U.S. As I prepared I was, and still am, challenged to make this a priority in my life.
Allow me to challenge you to make it a priority for your life!
- James 4:14, ‘What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes.’
- Galatians 3:29, ‘If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.’ Romans 8:16-17 (‘joint heirs with Christ’).
Are we seeking to leave a positive and healthy spiritual legacy? A legacy that will thrive and flourish in coming generations. God calls us to live in the light of the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Proverbs 13:22a, ‘A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children…’ I am challenged by God in His Word to leave a spiritual legacy on earth centered in the Living God. This has eternal significance.
- John Maxwell: (‘Thinking for a Change’) ‘If you are successful, it becomes possible for you to leave an inheritance for But if you desire to create a legacy, then you need to leave something in others. When you think unselfishly and invest in others, you gain the opportunity to create a legacy that will outlive you.’
- Psalm 92:10b, 12-15 (The Living Bible) ‘How refreshed I am by your blessings!..Godly shall flourish like palm trees, and grow tall…For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden, are under His personal care. Even in old age will still produce fruit and be vital and green. This honors the Lord, and exhibits His faithful care…’
Journaling 4th August 2008 I wrote:
- Reading Deuteronomy 4:9-10, ‘be careful, watch yourselvelves closely so you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart. Teach them to your children and to their children…’
These words challenge me! God wants future generations to hear of the great things He has done for them (us). This need was apparent in my life so I began to record some of my personal journey. I have tended towards feelings of inadequacy and inability, etc., throughout my life, nevertheless this has given God opportunities to use me as I learn to depend more on Him and less on myself. Challenging words written by an unknown author:
- ‘When they are content to be nothing, He can be everything.’ I am also challenged by the words written by W. Tozer: ‘Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice.’
Are we seeking recognition to feel valued? To grow in Christ I had to understand that self needs to get out of the way allowing the Lord to be totally in charge. Even when experiencing a seeming dead-end or cul-de-sac, we are encouraged that:
- ‘God will make a way when there seems to be no way.’ In Ecclesiastes 3:11a I read: ‘Everything is beautiful (appropriate) in its time.’ God gives purpose for my life: Ecclesiastes 3:11b: ‘He has set eternity in my heart’.
Let us continually rejoice in the fact that in Christ we are free people living in an age and culture which seeks to enslave us to become addicted to: Money, work, pleasure, Internet, social media, etc. My parents encouraged me as they raised me in Ayrshire, Scotland to have complete trust in, and reverence for, the One and only God. Continually reminding their children throughout their lives: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”
(To be continued…)
Your friend and Pastor, Jim