Legacy

Legacy is not something I consider often. But a few weeks ago, I was reminded that faithfulness even in the mundane actions of my daily life can have an impact on generations to come. My daughter, Addie, decided to sit down to compose her first song at the piano that was once my grandmother’s. She found a notebook in the piano bench to write out the chords and proceeded to practice it over and over. A little while later I discovered that in that notebook my grandmother had written out all of the hymns and classical songs she had played as a prelude at my wedding.

My grandmother was a remarkable woman of God. Not a famous person, only a faithful Christ follower who persevered through trials. She was the kind of person who welcomed those without a home, who made sure there was always a place at the table for those in need, especially at the holidays. Her piano playing was exceptional, and she used it for God’s glory on the worship team at her church for many years. She raised her children to know and love God, who in turn passed it on to her grandchildren. In spite of broken relationships and failing health, my grandmother continued to glorify God until her death.

At this time of year, we are prone to think in the short term. Our new years’ resolutions look forward only to a few weeks, months, maybe even one whole year. But have you considered what your long-term goals are? What about glorifying God, our ultimate goal? How does the idea of heaven and forever impact your concept of time here and now?

His glory is accomplished in the small faithfulness of the every day. You don’t need fame and fortune to do what he has commanded and to create a legacy that will continue on for generations. A legacy that will last beyond the name and dates on a tombstone, that dash between the years that won’t begin to describe what your resolutions were for this year, how you failed or conquered. If you live today like you want to glorify Him above all else, your legacy will be His, a lasting one.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in Glory. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

-Colossians 3: 1-4, 12-17