It is not bad talking of legacy.
I used to hang around with a guy who was keen to ensure he left a positive legacy for the generations that followed him. He is a father of three and his work allowed him to take on others as followers who he mentored. So he talked of shifting from an era of being active, to an era of setting things up for those that would follow him.
No bad thing really, and it played in a context in which legacy is a buzzword among Christian leader types.
My only issue, really, is how it tends to be a thing to fuss over. It is the ominous question, what legacy will you leave behind? How do you want to be remembered? Will your acts today be remembered in generations to come? What do you want people to say about you when you die?
If you’re not careful these can all be distractions.
As I read it, Jesus wasn’t so much focussed on whether we would leave a legacy. The fact remains for every Peter, Paul, John and James we read of in the New Testament scriptures there may be hundreds, thousands, maybe millions of people who lived godly lives relevant to their generation, in their time, in their locality who would not even get a mention in their local newspaper when they passed away. So much for legacy – no one remembers them. They are not written in the annals of history anywhere – but their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Let’s face it, that is the only publication that matters.
It is another good opportunity, then, to remember that Jesus was a lot more concerned that we should focus on being faithful and fruitful. Faithful to Him leading to being fruitful for Him. We focus in faith on Him, see what He does and where He goes and follow Him and produce the fruit that comes with that – whether that fruit is of a greater Christ-like character, or through others having a life-changing encounter with Him, or through the acts that follow those that believe. Either way, there is evidence in God’s sight that we are faithful. We are not concerned by the approval of others, but far more concerned about living out a life of thanksgiving for the mercies and grace of God.
Doing that may not gain the allure and glamour, attraction and fame that befalls others. We may well face rejection and neglect. Like others it might lead to us dying and being buried and eventually forgotten. Yet where it matters most we will never be forgotten and to the Author and Finisher of our faith we will rejoice with Him on His return.
Looking for legacy pales into insignificance when we focus on being faithful and fruitful.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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