by Neil
We are taught from a young age that legacy is important. Family, wealth, property, reputation, achievement – all too carefully constructed and meticulously maintained. The desire for permanence is so common that it can’t be coincidental, it must be part of our design. But the brokenness of our culture distorts our pursuit and expression of permanence. Our small minds and experience leap to the most permanent things we can see and touch – great structures, piles of gold, rooms of stuff, many family members. Or we build castles and monuments to ourselves in our mind through reputation and achievement. Like all things, none of this inherently bad and much of it can do great good, but it ALL misses the mark.
Jesus was there before any “thing” of creation was made:
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Jesus will be there after all “things” pass away:
Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
All “things” will melt away:
2 Peter 3:10-13 – Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
So, if legacy and permanence are important to you, where are you to spend your time, intellect, and resources?
Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
What is unique to your existence here and now? What is it, that cannot be corrupted, that you can contribute that no one else can? I believe it is your relationships. Of course God cares about relationship with you – it’s why he built us. Your relationship with Jesus is how you relate to God (it is only through Jesus that we come to the Father). But it is our relationships with each other that resonate through time in God’s eternal will. The most fleeting of contacts in the name of Jesus are worth more than the pyramids. The simplest of touches carry more significance than a 1000 Roman Empires. Relationships are the building blocks in the Kingdom of God. It is these that are the permanent additions and legacy we make. But God’s grace requires we work together. We cannot place the smallest pebble in God’s Kingdom by ourselves. If we are lifting stones by ourselves, it is our castle we’re building.
Matthew 18:19 – Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.
So build if you like to build, accumulate if you like to accumulate, but focus on the relationships you may foster on behalf of Christ while doing it– because that is your only permanent legacy.
words on The Word 