The RiGht KinDa LeGacY...

No One Can Ever Fill His Shoes...

Many people are concerned about leaving a legacy: evidence that their life mattered and that they made a difference in the world and in the lives of those they love.

A legacy reflects who you are as a person and what your life was about, the things you have accomplished, the people you have loved, and the memories that you cherished.

Today marks the first anniversary of Michael's demise. Considered to be one of the most talented, gifted, oddly compelling entertainers of all time, even now a year into his death, Michael Jackson, the king of pop, is still surrounded in mystery, and unanswered questions. He left behind a series of legacy, namely his music, the way he dance & did his moon walking, his humanitarian efforts, his kids etc.

Having said the above, I'd like to share an article I read about Paul of Tarsus (Saint Paul). What Paul left behind is an entirely different legacy all together. Paul had expended himself in the service of Christ and had a keen sense that he was nearing the end of his life. From his writings to other churches it was clear that he was not afraid of death. In fact, he clearly stated that if he were absent from the body, he would be present with the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:3). The resurrection had defeated the sting of death (15:55), and Paul couldn’t wait to meet his Savior.

As Paul pondered the end of his life, he made three very simple statements about his legacy. He had “fought the good fight”—standing firm as a spiritual warrior, clothed in the armor of God, faithfully defending the truth of the gospel. He had “finished the race”—ensuring in the process that he was neither disqualified nor disheartened in the marathon of life and ministry. Most importantly, he had “kept the faith”—remaining true, committed, and loyal to the One who rescued him from sin and darkness.

Notice that Paul’s brief statements here say nothing about the education he had received, the places he had traveled, the letters he had written, the people he had preached to, or the churches he had planted. He flat out wanted his legacy to be labeled as “faithful.”

So, I ask myself, “If that’s the kind of legacy I want to leave, how would I pursue it today?” To me, that means that my choices need to be more about “fighting the good fight.” I need to learn to put on the spiritual armor each morning, as Paul told the Ephesians to do, and live to be victorious in all that comes my way. I need to be running the race to win, putting off all that hinders.

Building a legacy worth leaving begins today and is made one decision at a time. I hope to live my life to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That’ll be a legacy worth living for!

What will your descendants remember about you? What will the world at large remember? What will your legacy be?