from Lenae, GEMS Training Manager
LEGACY
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:7
Last night youngest daughter Melanie told us the Senior Class Hall of Fame categories that will be published in their high school yearbook. Each student in their small class received an honor as most musical, most competitive, most stressed, most unique, and so on. Melanie earned the honor for being most adventurous which probably has something to do with her going skydiving a few months ago.
If your friends and family created a Hall of Fame category for you, how would you best be remembered today? Nichole Nordeman considered that and put her thoughts to music in her song, “Legacy”:
“I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering – a child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy.”
The book of Proverbs confirms that the legacy of the righteous will be a blessing (10:7) and that a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (22:1). The name, fame, or legacy of the righteous should point people to Jesus and edify, encourage, and benefit the body of believers. The Bible’s heroes of faith, Christian biographies, and the stories of saints within the family of God locally and around the world should inspire us as we consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).
The Apostle Paul was ever mindful of his legacy and lived in such a way that he boldly encouraged people to follow his example. “I urge you to imitate me” (1 Corinthians 4:16), he told the church in Corinth. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
A humble, dear sister in Jesus once told me that 1 Corinthians 11:1 is her life verse. Like Paul she intentionally seeks to live a life that is worthy of being modeled after because she’s steadfastly following the example of her Savior Jesus Christ. I can testify that I am blessed each time I have opportunity to spend time with her and am greatly encouraged when I reflect on the way her words and actions have shaped my life.
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot (Proverbs 10:7). What great incentive for Titus 2 women and all believers to live righteously and leave a legacy that glorifies Jesus!
Wisdom Step: Think about your legacy. Could you boldly say with Paul, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”? Why or why not?
You have been created by God and for God, and someday you will stand amazed at the simple yet profound ways He has used you even when you weren’t aware of it.
Kay Arthur
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