What Will Your Legacy Be?

Recently, a friend who writes a daily inspiration, wrote about how he hopes people see him.  And it made me think.  What do I want my legacy to be?  What have I done to make the world we live in a better place?  Who have I helped along the way?  Who have I spoken up for when they didn’t have a voice?  Have I done my part?  Have I been light in the world? 

Those of you who know me, know that I work with middle and high schoolers, as well as, college students through my church.  I have been blessed with a strong desire to see young people succeed and the Lord has given me some ideas and tools to help them along the way.   He’s also blessed me with an awesome team at church who works to make sure we provide support and resources to the students.  But that isn’t what I want to be remembered for.  

If I were gone today, what would I want people to say about me?  That I was generous?  That I loved people?  That I told the truth, even when it was hard?  That I would help people when I could? That I worked hard?  Sure, I’d want people to say all those things.  But, ultimately, I want people to know I love Jesus and I’m working hard to be more and more like him every day.  Don’t get me wrong….I miss every day, but I keep striving.  

The thing is, people talk about what they believe but then don’t live consistent to their words.  That’s just hypocritical and much of what is wrong with the world today.  The only thing we really have are our words and deeds…our integrity.   When it all shakes out, it doesn’t matter how much money we earned, but what we did with it.  It doesn’t matter how many degrees we obtained, but what we did with the knowledge.  I’m striving every day to live according to God’s Word and not just speak it (James 1:25).  James said it best, “Faith without works is dead (James 2:26).”  

What do you want your legacy to be?  What are you doing toward that end? 

What are You Believing God to do in Your Life?

I remember when I bought the house I live in now.  It’s funny.  I didn’t have any inclination to really start looking, but I overheard some co-workers talking about how at the time it was easy to purchase a home.  I was living in an apartment and didn’t think I could afford a home on my own.  But when I overheard that conversation, I grabbed hold to home ownership.  I was God’s child and if other people could have a home, why couldn’t I?  That weekend, I started looking at houses, with no agent and no loan approved.  I was in a hurry because my lease would be up in just a few months and I didn’t want to renew, because by then I knew in my spirit that God had a house for me.  It wasn’t easy to find the house God had for me, but He was working on my behalf even before I knew to start looking.  

So, the day I found the house, I started early in the morning and a close friend accompanied me. I had already done my research and knew the monthly budget God had blessed me with and the house design I was looking for.  So, I had three new subdivisions to search because I was expecting to find what God had for me.  The first subdivision was a bust.  In the second, the house had been built, but it was under contract according to the sign in front and the resident agent.  However, I promised the agent that I would return as she was busy at the time.  The third subdivision could build the house, but it would be months before it was complete.  At first, I was discouraged because I was on a timeline.  I mean, I wanted to be out of that apartment before I had to sign a new lease.  Then, I remembered that God keeps His promises and that if you ask according to His Will He will answer and provide.  

So, understanding that God’s answer might be “Not yet,” we went back to the second subdivision.  When we got there, we found out the house that had been under contract earlier that morning had come back onto the market….just in time for us to arrive back at the subdivision.  God had someone else build the house for me with all of my preferences.   He worked out all the details just for me….financing, closing date, etc.  It was like clockwork.  Only God can plan and orchestrate something like that.  When I think about it, I realized He was just waiting on me to do my part…to trust him and to act on that trust.  

What are you believing God to do for you?  What actions are you taking toward that end?  Are you regularly saving and looking for that house?  Are you taking that class?  Are you writing everyday on that book?  Are you consistently practicing that instrument?  Are you doing the work that leads to the next job you want?  If you’re not, do you really trust God to do it? If you believe with all your heart that God is going to do something for you, why wouldn’t you prepare to walk into it?  You won’t get it from God until you’re ready to receive it.  Now, you’ll still need Him through it to be successful and if you operate in self and get something out of God’s timing, there will be obstacles.  As James said, Faith without works is dead.  Be patient and make sure your Faith is alive and well and that you are working in what God has told you.  

Where is Your Focus?

Thank you to those writing comments.  It's so encouraging to know that the blog provides connection and to see the ways it causes you to think more about your life with Christ.  I pray it blesses you and helps you grow more in Him.  

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Today's blog is a bit of an extension of last week.  Life is bit difficult to navigate, especially right now.  The last few weeks have proved that to me more than anything.  Between the pandemic continuing to spread and work that seems unending, days can sometimes feel overwhelming.  I find I need to lean more and more on God for strength and peace and wisdom.  I’m reminded that I’m not in control of much, in fact, I’m not in control of practically anything other than my reactions…..and sometimes not even those.  Apparently, my face shows what I'm thinking even if I don't voice it.  

I’m working to push through the hard tasks or times and focus on Jesus.  Like Paul in Philippians 3:14, I’m working hard not to get distracted by my past mistakes, but rather focus on the actions I need to take today and tomorrow and the next day to live according to God’s Word until I meet Jesus face to face.  I will make new mistakes, but I know my ultimate goal – to have God say – this is my daughter in whom I’m well pleased. 

That’s what this life is all about when you think about it.  If we keep our focus on God, He will direct our paths.  If we seek Him first, He will add everything we need to us.  Have you ever thought about what He has in store for you, if only you focus and seek Him?  

If God can do more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20), what does He have in store for us, if only we are obedient to Him?  What would He show us, if we just spent more time with Him?  Have you ever felt like an answer was just beyond your reach?  Well, God has all the answers.  How often do you sit and commune with Him and give Him time to talk to you?  To give you a revelation?  To give you direction?  

I know I get distracted by life many days, but I’m working more and more on listening to Him and staying focused on what’s important – the things I need to do and change.  I heard a saying that God gave us two eyes, two ears and one mouth for a reason.  We should be quick to listen and watch and slow to speak.  Listen and watch to understand, not just to respond.  Focus on Jesus!  Seek His guidance!  You can’t go wrong if you’re listening to Him and doing what He says.  Through it all, He will grant you peace and rest.  

Are You Taking Care of Yourself?

I’m the first one to say “work hard and do your best.”  It’s how I was raised.  It’s really the only way I know, but I often find myself doing too much and not getting enough rest or eating right.  I get caught up and distracted by all the things going on around me.  I mean, at work, we’re doing more with less and there isn’t enough time to get it all done.  There’s never any down time and taking vacation can feel like punishment when you return to all the emails and assignments that still need to be done.  While it can feel overwhelming and be way too much, we have to take a step back.  We have to look at all the things on our plate and assess what has to be done.  We have to learn when to make adjustments in our lives.

This is not me judging or telling anyone what to do, because this is way more for me than you. I’m a culprit and I have to catch myself…realize that I can’t do everything.  I can’t work long hours and not take care of myself and still be ready to do what God directs.  I mean, God is amazing and He creates in ways we can’t even imagine or understand.  But one thing is clear, at the end of the day, our bodies are human and they have limits.  If we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), it doesn’t just mean spiritually.  We are whole beings and that means we need to take care of our physical and spiritual bodies.    

When you stop and think about it, God designed our physical body to repair itself in so many ways – the liver regenerates, bones grow back, and so many other fascinating things.  But for it to do that optimally, we have to do our part to take care of it.  First, eating right.  We have to eat the right amounts and the right foods.  Second, regular exercise.  We need to move and maintain a healthy weight – it lowers risk of disease and bone weakness.  Third, sleep.  We need enough of it.  Apparently, we need to get approximately 8 hours a night.    

I, on the other hand, do these things periodically, but not consistently.  I should exercise every day, at least walk, but I don’t. I don’t know the last time I got 8 hours of sleep. So again, I’m guilty of not respecting the gift God gave me.  Are you?  I’m working on these actions, but I often get distracted by everything going on in my life and think I’m not as important.  Then, I remember the sacrifice Jesus made for me…..for all of me….not just my soul.  Jesus made the sacrifice so I could live more abundantly in all aspects.  So, I have to do better.  I have to take better care of this amazing gift.  I recommend you take a look at your own life and do the same.  We all have too many people to impact to let our own actions or inaction keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose for us. 

A Just Father

Last week, we remembered how patient God is with us.  This week, we’re talking about a different characteristic of His, but one that is just as loving.  The bible says God chastens those He loves (Proverbs 3:12).

We like to think of God as the indulgent dad who gives us everything we ask for no matter what we do or what’s best for us.  We see programs on television or see families in our lives where the parents work day and night to give their children whatever they ask for…..video games or sneakers or cell phones.  In some of those cases, the children are entitled and disrespectful and over the top.  Why is that?  Most likely because they are spoiled and haven’t been disciplined.  

I’m not judging because I’m not a parent.  But, I was a child who grew up with Godly parents and while they worked hard and gave me lots of things I wanted, they never sacrificed an opportunity to teach me right from wrong.  They never allowed me to disrespect them or other adults.  They never allowed me to think that I was owed something just by being their child.  They clothed me and feed me, but they disciplined me when I was disobedient and needed it…..when I got a little ahead of myself.  Yes, I was disciplined.  I know, you can’t possibly believe that knowing me now, but it’s true.  LOL.  

Well, God does the same.  He gives us direction/guidance and expects us to obey.  When we don’t, there are consequences.  He still loves us and won’t leave us, but we may still have to live with the consequences even after God forgives us.  As I’ve said before, God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves, but when things get too much, He is right there with us to see us through it.  For example, ever charged anything you didn’t have the money for to a credit card?  I have.  I paid a price for it….more than it costed with the interest and time.  If I’d been obedient to God’s Word, I wouldn’t have been in that predicament – God’s Word says owe no man, because it makes you a slave to him.    That’s one of those lessons I’m still working through, but I think you get my point.  God didn’t take away my consequences, I still had to pay for my disobedience…this time with money.  I have several examples of where I wasn’t always obedient and I’ve paid a different price.  I also have several examples where I have been obedient and I’ve been blessed as a result.  

God is a Just Father.  God sees those of us who have accepted Jesus, through Jesus blood.  He’s already forgiven our sins, but when we’re disobedient He will chastise us for our own good.  God only wants what’s best for us and He will take measures to ensure we learn a lesson to not harm ourselves.  What good father would let His child go down a bad path and not intercede?  A good father wouldn’t and God is the best father you could ask for.

A Patient Father

So yesterday morning, I had a 3k fun run, or rather walk (as that’s what I did).  I’m sad to say it’s the first time I’ve actually walked more than the few feet to my mailbox since the pandemic began.  Am I ashamed?  Sure.  Will I walk next week?  We’ll see.  

Anyway, while I was sitting in my car at the park checking my heart rate after I finished, I looked out my window and watched this father (or father figure) who I’ve never met, proceed to teach a teenage girl (who looked like she was likely a daughter or niece) how to parallel park.  It was the most fascinating thing I’ve seen in a long time.  While she practiced getting into the parallel parking spaces, he was completely engaged in coaching and teaching, with complete faith that she would accomplish that goal.  Never once did he falter in putting himself right in the middle of the action, whether it was standing behind the car to let her know how far to back up or standing in the corner of the space in front to show her how to avoid cars already parked.  And never once did she not trust that he knew better than she did and not follow his instructions.  As I watched it unfold, I was mesmerized and caught up in the action as well.  When she finally got the car parked exactly center of the space, he cheered her on and so did I.  

I realized that’s what God does with us.  When we have a lesson to learn, he patiently coaches and teaches us what we need to do.  If we do it right and we’ve really learned the lesson, we go on to the next one.  If we don’t or we forget, we repeat it…….over and over and over again.  Why?  Maybe because we think we know better than God.  Unlike the teenage girl, we don’t always trust that our heavenly father knows better than we do.  We sometimes trust ourselves more than God, which is crazy when you think about it.  God/Jesus/Holy Spirit were there when time didn’t exist – they created it and everything else.  They knew the end before the beginning.  So who in their right mind could ever think, they knew better than the Ones who created everything?  It just doesn’t make sense.  

Now I understand, it’s hard to trust someone you don’t know.  And if you haven’t been adopted into God’s family, by accepting Jesus as your personal savior, you don’t have a relationship with either of them.  I get it.  It’s up to you to change that, but I can personally say, that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the best family members you can have.  They are ones you can constantly count on and they will always be there for you, no matter what.  You can trust them.  That doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen…..we were never promised life here on earth would be easy, but it sure is better with God on your side than not.  He is the best Father you could ask for.

Are You Hiding Your Light Under a Bushel?

You have gifts!  No matter who we are, God has blessed each of us with particular gifts to further His kingdom.  All of us need the gifts others have.  If we’re sitting on them and not sharing what God has put in us, we are not only depriving those around of God’s blessing through us, but we are disobeying God.  

If you’re like me, you question whether you’re good enough or smart enough to do whatever God has called you to do.  The answer is you’re probably not.  Don’t take that as an insult.  That just means that God can use us all the more.  And, yes, we have to do the work.  God will prepare us for the journey.  He won’t send us out cold with nothing to draw from, but if we were smart enough and good enough to do it on our own, we wouldn’t need Him.  God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness and limitations (2 Cor 12:9).   That’s why through Christ, we can do all things (Phil 4:13).  We have to lean on him all the more when we’re operating in His purpose for us.  We can’t do it on our own.  Don’t try.  

Remember, God is all powerful.  Yes, He gave us free will and we can choose to be disobedient just like children do, but when we disobey, we sin and we hurt Him.  I don’t have children of my own, but I know how I feel when I ask one of my nieces or nephews to do something and they don’t.  It hurts me, not just because they don’t think enough of me to do as I say, but because most of the time it will benefit them.  They miss out on what I would have given them….things they may never know.  

When I think of what God has done for us, I can only imagine how much more the disappointment is at our not giving Him everything He requests.  After all, we owe Him our very lives.  We are not our own.  He loved us enough to send His Son to literally die for us.  And then, we don’t do what He says?  It’s a bit insulting!  Have you ever thought of what you’ve lost, but not obeying God when he told you to move?  What did God have in store for you that you may never see?  It’s a little daunting, but there are always consequences for actions…be they good or bad.  

This, like many other things, comes back to obedience and love.  Do you love God enough to be obedient to His Will for your life?  Do you trust Him enough to share the gifts He has placed inside you?  He will never leave nor forsake you, so wherever He sends you, He’ll be there with you.  Don’t forget, it’s not about you.  It’s all about Him.  Don’t hide what he’s placed in you.  Let that light shine so men will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven (Matt 5:16).