What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?
“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.”
2 Timothy 1:3-5
What do you think about when you think of the term legacy? You may think of historical figures in this nation. You may think about different organizations that have stood the test of time. What do you think of when you think about yourself? Do you associate this word with your life? This is certainly a struggle for many as they go through life and make decisions. Sometimes this struggle is more often associated with failure than success. This can lead us to question just what kind of legacy we might leave.
I write to you to call to mind the only legacy that eternally matters. A legacy of faith in Jesus. When Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:3-5, Paul began by speaking on a legacy. Timothy was a young evangelist who was doing the Lord's work, and Paul pointed out that he remembered his unfeigned or genuine faith. He further pointed out that this faith was not accidental but developed as part of the legacy of his family. His grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, had a genuine faith as their foundation—something real, something that is seen and lived out. This made a difference for a young preacher as he grew in the Lord.
When we consider the lovely example in Timothy's family set by his mother and grandmother, we know it had an impact. Timothy had to follow through on his own, though, to receive the benefit of the solid legacy set before him. Have you considered whether you are young or old, you are benefiting from or contributing to someone's legacy? Children who obey their parents and honor them receive blessings in their lives. To walk faithfully starts with how we relate to the divine structure God has established in the home. Fathers who do not exasperate their children will build them up into the men and women he wants them to become. The Psalmist wrote, "Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; And the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Ps. 127:3). God’s gift of progeny is a blessing, a reward. To be a parent is gift from God intended for our good.
Some of you reading this are questioning what kind of legacy you are leaving. For what will you be remembered? In a time such as this, we may question this even more when there seems to be more bad news than good. This does not have to stifle the only legacy that matters—a legacy that can have lasting effects long after you are gone. The legacy of faith that you start now changes your destination, and the example you show to your friends and family can change theirs.
The church which belongs to Christ is concerned about your legacy. We care deeply about your soul as none of us are guaranteed another moment to change our legacy. James wrote, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” ( Jam. 4:14). Simply put, your soul matters, your legacy matters to God and it does to us.
While you still have time to make a change, we humbly invite you to join us weekly. We want to walk alongside you and work together to fulfill what God has planned for man. We want to see healing in our families and we know this is only possible in communion with Christ and His body.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
