Leaving a life of legacy
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:5-8
What type of legacy are we leaving? Whether we like it or not, we are leaving a testimony of our personal beliefs and the priorities that direct the way we live. The admonition from the text was to look for positive influence in the lives of those who demonstrated a life of faithfulness to God. The author was encouraging the readers to consider their example of faith. Our lives should reflect our faithfulness to God for there are those around us that could be influenced by the way we live. This is why Jesus told His disciples to be the salt and light of the watching world (see Matthew 5:13-16). The admonition could not be simply ignored because once you make your allegiance to living your life as a believer you should be committed to the life He called you to live. Once we profess Christ to be the Lord and Savior of our life, our character, conduct, and conversation should manifest that God takes supremacy in our life. They should reflect that we have a high regard for the relationship we have with Christ. It proves that our life is guided by Christ. Life lived this way reflects who is Christ in our lives and this is what brings glory to Him. We need to think of the legacy we are living behind us. Unless we show that having Christ is enough to meet our needs, materialism will continue to pose a threat to our influence to others. Enjoying God’s presence is better than desiring gaining material wealth. “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). God’s purpose for His children is to conform them to His image (Romans 8:29). Constant awareness of this purpose will help us pursue the life He wants for us and will motivate us to live godly life that others could follow as example. Just as Paul told the church in Corinth, “...imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). God knows that our lives could be a blessing to others for we could teach others a life of faith, commitment, and priority. The God who works in the lives of those that set great examples for us in the past is also the God that will help us to leave a legacy for those who follow after us for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
YouTube Channel: WestsideBCLA
