Leaving a Legacy

Within the past several years, our culture has become fascinated like never before with the study of ancestry. Consumers can now utilize the resources of countless companies which provide information regarding one’s ancestral heritage. Undoubtedly, the innate human desire for significance drives such industry as we search to answer questions of identity by the knowledge of our origins. Many find great pride in the richness of their ancestry; others make great strides to blot from existence any family member that is less than desirable, as the following story illustrates.

The Smith family was so very proud of their family tradition. In doing research for a family tree, they had discovered that their ancestors had made the voyage to America on the Mayflower centuries ago, and since that time there had been several doctors, lawyers, professors, pastors, and even a few senators that were a part of their family ancestry. As a gift to their children, the Smith’s had gone to a local university and hired the services of a history researcher to help them piece together an official book on their family’s lineage. There was only one problem—Uncle George. Their great uncle, George Smith, had been a vile and corrupt man and had eventually been executed in the electric chair. How could they possibly explain or be proud of this dark side of the family heritage? The history researcher assured them that he would shine a positive light upon George Smith’s life, so the family awaited the finished product. After receiving it, they immediately turned to the section of the book that contained information about Uncle George; they were impressed with what they found:

“George Smith occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution, was attached to his position by the strongest of ties, and his death came as a real shock.”

Yet, it is not simply the quest for beginnings that feeds significance, but also the search for legacy. How will the generations behind us flourish or flounder as the result of our influence? The entirety of Scripture is really a document about legacy. However, it is not God’s design to build our legacy to future generations, but rather that Christ’s renown will resound through all eternity. As the Apostle John so boldly declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Our legacy is only found in that of Christ’s.

How do we participate in the legacy of Christ and promote His reign to the generations behind us? Psalm 127 provides insight into this question.

1. Work for the Lord.—Psalm 127:1a

Regardless of your specific profession, you are to use the gifts, talents, skills, and arena that God has given you to work for Him. We are called to much more than just a paycheck; we are called to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

It may be on a kitchen floor, or in a busy shopping store;

Or teaching, nursing, day by day till limb and brain almost give way;

Yet if, just there, by Jesus you are found, the place you stand is Holy Ground.

2. Protect with the Lord—Psalm 127:1b

Parents, isn’t it amazing how much we will invest into insurance policies and plans to protect our children, yet invest so little truth into their lives to protect their souls?! Church, isn’t it amazing how much we will spend to preserve ourselves in the community with our buildings, but how little we will spend proclaiming the gospel?! Missionary C.T. Studd said it well: Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.

3. Rest in the Lord—Psalm 127:2

Resting in the Lord by trusting in the Lord leaves a legacy beyond ourselves. When I was in elementary school, my father had a good job working with the railroad as an inspector. He was given a mandatory promotion; he could advance in his career and keep his job by moving our family to another location. But rather than doing this, he instead provided stability to our family and lost his job. Over the next several years I watched his and our family’s struggles as a result of that decision; but I also watched his faith and dependency in God flourish. He has left to me a powerful legacy because of his decision to rest in the Lord.

4. Invest unto the Lord—Psalm 127:3-5

In a hundred years, it will not matter if you spent more time in the office, made more money, drove a nice car, or traveled the world; but it will matter that you made a difference in the eternal souls around you. What sacrifices are you making to spend time with your spouse and children? How are you serving in the ministries of the church?

Leaving the legacy of Christ,

Jason