Legacy

Good Morning,

1 John 2:17 (NIV)
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Many...if not most...of us work hard and save for all our lives. One of the reasons we do this, for a lot of us the main reason we do this, is in order that we can leave behind things and money for our children so that they might enjoy the things that are available in this world. I guess there's nothing wrong in this, but a thought that came into my mind after reading today's Scripture was: Wouldn't it be better to leave behind a Godly legacy rather than all the riches of the world?

John tells us clearly that those things we work for and put back...for ourselves or our children...will not last. "The world and its desires pass away." Couldn't be any clearer, could it? All of what we have, as far as "creature comforts" and things of the world, truly NOT last. "But the man who does the will of God lives forever."

Yes, those who are like this...those who do the will of God in their lives on this planet...will truly live forever with the Lord in heaven. We know that and we are assured of that by what we hear directly from the mouth of the Savior. Our salvation is assured and we have the peace of understanding where we will spend eternity.

However, there is another way in which we live forever. That is in the legacy we leave here on earth when we join God in heaven. You see, "The man who does the will of God," will truly live forever in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, the people he touches as he passes through this human life.

I guess that's what is tantamount in my mind and heart this morning. Thinking about what I've done that will be considered "the will of God" is, to me, extremely important. Perhaps the most important thing in my life. Thinking about how I may have meant something in the lives of people as I reached out and did what I did truly humbles me. This...this idea of legacy, a Godly legacy...should be of utmost importance in all of our lives. What we've done and how we've lived will determine the legacy we leave behind. For those fortunate enough to understand being God loving, God fearing, and Godly people, then what we've done...large or small...will have been more than important in the lives of many.

Stop a while today and think about the legacy you will leave behind. For some of us, well, we'll not be overjoyed at that look back. And what I know about that is the fact that it is NEVER too late to begin DOING the will of God and, therefore, living forever both in heaven and in the minds of people on this earth.

Please join me in prayer:

"Lord, please, help me today...and every day hereafter...to live a life that is in your will and to do that which you would have me to do. Let people be touched by me in such a way that they would know I am doing your will and attempting to accomplish your purpose on this earth. Father, please, lift me up and help me to leave a legacy that will please you and that will be pleasant in the minds and hearts of those who have known me. I pray this in Jesus' precious name. Amen."

Love, peace, and blessings,

David