Purposeful Legacy

We all have an indwelling desire to be remembered when we're not there, especially if we are not coming back. As a fairly forgettable person, this is a very true concept to me. Will I be missed when I am away? Will there be a void due to my absence? What if I never return? Will it REALLY matter? Unless you are a person with absolutely zero vision, this question has undoubtedly crossed your mind. Some individuals are remembered as being part of a major historical event. Others for lesser known but still highly influential family decisions that resulted in having lasting affects on generations to come. All in all, everyone wants a legacy of their very own.

Prov 3:35 says,"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools." The truth is you will have a legacy. You will be attain a reputation that outlives you, the difference is deciding what that legacy will be. I submit that we must back away from but not fully remove the end of life from our minds. I contend that a lifetime legacy will only be accomplished through the accomplishment of daily legacies. This cannot be for self-gain or self glory, but to the praise of His glory - for Him alone. This must be done by keeping Christ first and absolutely being absolutely others minded. The "me attitude" is programmed into our feeble minds from day one, but how much better is it and how mandatory is it to spend a day giving a helping hand as it is needed? The daily legacy is far more valuable if one is surrendering moment to moment. I find that what most people are looking for from day to day is nothing extraordinary or fantastic, but on the contrary it is quite simple. Most are simply asking for a listening ear, most want no-strings-attached type of understanding. This can be given from one to another at little or no cost. The benefits are worth whatever cost may come attached to the "listening session." No words from an ordinary conversation can give me a greater or more instant happiness than when the other person looks puzzled and wonders why all of this information comes pouring out of their mouth...only to be followed by the apparent pleasure that through the course of the conversation talking has caused them straighten some things out in their mind. I love that and it normally happens when I say next to nothing!

Leaving a daily legacy doesnt have to be costly or complicated, but short, sweet, and from the heart. A kind word or even a smile can do wonders for someone having a stressful day. A few minutes of voluntary assistance can not only brighten someones day, but make it for them. What is your daily legacy now? Reflect on the events of the day and ask the question,"Were my actions and attitudes a true picture of how I want to be remembered?" In all honesty, the answer is probably no. This has been a neat motivation for me lately. However, the only way to serve others is to honestly desire nothing in return, so service must be for the sake of service to Christ and not to self. Being others minded must not be about gaining a legacy, but about glorifying God with no demand for personal reward.