Faith Like A Mustard Seed

Throughout history there have been vile and wicked leaders who died with evil as their epitaph - Hitler and Idi Amin, the wicked leader of Uganda, to name two. But we all know of less famous people who lived - or are living - wicked unrighteous lives as well. They committed sin and seemingly had a total disregard for what is right. Their legacy is not just unremarkable but is actually a painful monument to sin and disobedience. They are in some respects better off forgotten.

Don’t get me wrong. Even those of us who have done the vilest things imaginable have been created in the image of God and are worth something to Him. However, there are still some lives that are not worth remembering: those who have not honored God by their choices or who have done things that are just awful in the sight of God and hurtful to other people. When these types of people die, family members are left thinking, “Well, you know I’m sorry that they are gone, but I just don’t want to remember all the bad stuff that they have done.”

When it comes our time to die, we should have lived in such a way that our lives and memories inspire others to faithfulness. I’m not talking about being some great leader, having some big name, having written something, or having your name in lights so people know who you are. I’m talking about a character, a life that focuses on Who God is, and a life that is faithful to Him. That is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

In 2 Chronicles 21:19-20 there are some very sad, serious, and strong words recorded about Jehoram. Verse 20 says, “And he departed with no one’s regret.”

This is a sobering reminder first to focus on a legacy of faithfulness to God; second, to focus on a legacy of love and service to others; and finally, to focus on a legacy of a life worth emulating. Keep in mind, you will be remembered - but how will others remember you? What will be said about your life?

2 Chronicles 21:19-20 In the course of time, at the end of two years, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great agony. His people made no fire in his honor, like the fires made for his fathers. He was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he departed with no one’s regret. They buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

Question: What are some of the things people will remember about my life?

Question: What are some of the things I want people to remember about my life?

Question: Am I leaving a legacy that is worth remembering?

Seeking: Heavenly Father, I want to leave a legacy that points to you. Help me to be more mindful of what I am doing and to remember that others will remember things that I do whether good or bad. Amen.

Not worth remembering Written by Crawford Loritts http://www.livingalegacy.org