Monday, January 19, 2009

What legacy will you leave behind?


We can become known for a multitude of things. And it is amazing how far we can carry a reputation. The girl who dropped her lunch tray in the third grade can carry that reputation all the way through high school. The high school jock can carry that reputation into his career. The career-driven executive can carry that reputation in her relationships. And the list goes on and on. Check out this verse: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war." Revelation 19:11

In the verse above, Jesus (the rider) is known as “faithful and true.” That is an incredible reputation. Jesus proved himself faithful as he lived a sinless life, despite facing the same temptations you and I face. Jesus was faithful to God’s call on His life, even as He endured the cross for our sins. And He has remained faithful to all who called on His name for salvation.

Jesus is true. He proved it while He walked the earth as He demonstrated the reality that He truly is God. And He demonstrates His truthfulness as His promises for life are fulfilled in the lives of believers.

Jesus’ reputation is one of faithfulness and truth. What are you known for? Remember, the decisions you make will determine your reputation and legacy. And it’s a reputation you will carry with you for the rest of your life and a legacy you will leave behind long after you are gone.

You aren’t known for what you would like to have done. You are not known for how you should have acted. Don’t miss the opportunities to follow Jesus’ lead and be known as "faithful and true".

What do you think of when you hear, "Jack Daniels"? Exactly! You don't think of the man Jack Daniels. Everyone thinks of the whiskey. But look at the legacy Jack left behind.

What legacy will you leave behind?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Dash
copyright 1996 Linda Ellis



I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

The Pointe said...

Thanks for the read!