Song of Songs 1-4 / 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 / Psalm 50 / Proverbs 22:22-23
When we leave this earth, each of us hopes that our name lives on. We hope to be remembered for having been kind and generous, and any other positive character trait one could think of. Not everyone will leave behind a positive legacy. Not everyone will make a lasting impression on those who are left behind. However, one of my most fervent prayers is that the life I’m pouring forth from my own will impact those who come after me.
Some of those who are impacted will be so because they chose to listen, learn, and grow without me ever knowing I was having an effect. Others will actively seek relationship and will let me know the impact I’m having on their lives. All of us will have both types of people in our lives; those we know the effect, and those we are unaware of.
Then there is a third option and that is a mentoring relationship. In a mentoring relationship, one hopes to teach that younger person all they can with an expectation that the work begun will be carried into further effectiveness for God’s Kingdom. I have not had one specific mentor in my life, though I’m confident the many relationships I’ve been blessed to engage in have helped me grow.
When I look at my children, I am aware that my discipleship of them will be a large part of the legacy I leave behind. They will in turn leave a legacy to their children, and so on. When Paul speaks of Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 the verses cause me to imagine how proud Paul must have been. In verse 16 he said, “But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have.”
I would imagine that Paul felt a similar pride in Titus that I feel in watching my adult children as they find their paths in life. Paul’s statement about Titus seems to indicate they have spent a considerable amount of time together. I’ve heard it said that vision is caught and not taught. I would believe that Titus has caught vision from Paul and is excited to continue the work of supporting the churches in the region.
Since we can’t take anything with us when we go, we are wise to leave behind a legacy that surpasses money and possessions. Instead of bank deposits (which are necessary for survival), let’s prioritize making deposits into the hearts of those around us. That means we must commit to being in relationship with others. I’m sure you’ve never heard me say that before…
Whose life are you impacting today? Hopefully you’ve begun to feed yourself so you can feed others. Love yourself so you can love others. Forgive yourself so you can forgive others. Remember I encourage you to fill up on God’s Spirit first, then allow the overflow to help nourish others. Also, remember how important it is to teach others to feed themselves. We must eventually graduate from “baby bottles” to forks, spoons and sharp knives!
