“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom. Let not the mighty man glory in his might. Let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD …” — Jeremiah 9:23
I believe every dad would like to leave behind a legacy when they die that would make their children proud. When I was younger I thought I would become a star athlete. I was above average in some sports, especially baseball. At one time I even envisioned the possibility of a major league career. Wouldn’t that give my kids something to brag about? Well, I quickly learned that just being above average in a sport doesn’t bring a professional contract to your doorstep.
When I enlisted in the Air Force, I had high hopes of becoming a fighter pilot and an officer. I took the test twice but I couldn’t get my eyes to cooperate—or my brain. No “Top Gun” honors for me in those four years. Three stripes were the best I could do, and no purple hearts!
When I first got serious about a college education, I wanted to go to work someday for a large corporation and eventually become one of its “O’s”—like in COO, CFO or CEO—while making lots of money. But I bottomed out in that direction, as well. Sorry, kids and grandkids, there’s no big inheritance coming your way!
But when God reached down from heaven and saved me at age 38, I knew that my final career path would be one of service to Him and to His people in ministry. But even then as I moved through pastoral opportunities over the years, I had a vision of maybe leaving behind someday a large church—perhaps a megachurch—or a national teaching ministry which would have catapulted me to the upper level of the evangelical food chain. Maybe I would even be invited to speak at the same conferences as Chuck Swindoll, James Dobson or Max Lucado. Never happened!
Now after 45 years of ministry—which may be approaching ebb tide, I’m wondering what legacy I will be leaving behind when I die. Will I be known as an above average preacher? Or as a good Bible teacher? Or a competent counselor or wise spiritual mentor? Or will I be known, according to the prophet Jeremiah, for the only thing that really matters, “that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD …”
So dear friends, when the final eulogies about our great wisdom and strength and contributions to our world have been spoken tearfully by those who love us … When the casket is shut and the final shovel of dirt covers our grave … When the headstone is in place and people go home trying to recall our last smile or words … When all of our earthly wealth has been left to others … What will be said about us tomorrow? What will our legacy be? What will we want them to remember about us most of all?
As for me, by God’s grace, I would especially hope that I will be characterized by the words of the prophet. How about you? Maranatha!
To help us walk closer with God and to know Him better
