As I was working this morning on a totally different thought for the next Sustaining Word, my cell phone rang. Seeing the name, I knew what to expect. My last living Aunt, my Dad’s sister, had just passed away at age of 88 years. She was a devoted Christian and so, no question she is with Jesus. My mind immediately flooded with thoughts. I was saddened by her death, but due to her declining health, she had suffered a lot in the last three years. Another thought was the fact she was my last elder relative. There are a few younger cousins, most who I have not seen in fifty years. Being an only child and probably with no male grandsons to pass on our family name, when I am gone and my two sons are gone, this tribe, as we call it, ends. My wife asked me recently if that bothered me. I told her it didn’t, because I would not even be here to know it, and what is that in the grand scheme of eternity. However, for some people I have known, not leaving anyone to propagate their name is a devastating thought.
One word I have come to dislike is the word legacy, merely because of the way some define it. At times, I literally wanted to scream at meetings when fellow ministers started chatting about their future legacy. One event in particular stands out because I observed it from the beginning until the end. “Are you preparing your son to be your legacy so he can continue your church?” Note the three ‘yours’ in that question. The Pastor responded, “No, but that’s a good idea after all the years and hard work I’ve put in building my church.” So after our board meeting, we flew home, and he began instituting his new plan. “My son will succeed me as Senior Pastor.”
Huge problem! The LORD had not called the son into the ministry. Thus, began numerous boring sermons by the son without any anointing. He was promoted to manage the staff, which was a nightmare. Within a year, the entire associate team had resigned. Long story short, the once successful church collapsed, the son left his wife and children, and entered a sinful and immoral lifestyle. The issue is not a son becoming the next pastor of a church—if it is the will of God and the Holy Spirit guides in that direction. The fatal error is when people with selfish motivations seek to build a name for themselves through fleshly manipulation. I have known a few pastors that were ‘called’ into the ministry by their parents. I do not know one that was ever happy or fruitful. My pastor acquaintance above is remembered! But not for all the good he did, rather his legacy is of all the hurts and pains he inflicted in an effort to be remembered for a church that was not his and one that he did not build. Jesus said, I will build my church (Matt 16:18). Our mission on earth is to lift up the name of Jesus. John the Baptist said it best, He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).
This scenario happens not only in the church, but also in non-church businesses. One young man we knew had a full academic scholarship to a leading University. Yet, his father insisted he come work with him so he could eventually take over and carry on their family business. Despite all the wise counsel people shared, he relinquished the opportunity for a free education. Today, the business after bankruptcy is closed. The legacy: no family business and a man with no college education working at a menial job for another company.
I never once saw my aunt trying to promote herself. She was a humble lady, caring for her husband, watching over her four children, and raising them in Godly lifestyles. That was apparently her assigned purpose from the Holy Spirit. All her children are successful and serving the LORD. I think the first words she heard from Jesus this morning were, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Not everyone will be called into the ministry, or preach from the pulpit, or be recognized for leading an international Christian organization. God has given us all a purpose for our journey on earth. It may be as a housewife, a janitor, pastor of a small church, worker in a factory, school teacher, etc. None of these is any less spiritual than the most notable professions. The key is being faithful to the assignment God has predestined us to do. It is no more significant to be at the top of a large company, than if we are diligently serving in your God given task. The important aspect of a legacy is not how we are remembered or even if, we are remembered. Rather, it is what we leave that has made a lasting effect on the Kingdom of God. My descendants may not know my name or carry the family name, but I pray I leave an example of faithfully serving God in His purpose for me and that this will be continued through my children and grandchildren and the students I have taught.
To my Aunt I say—“you were faithful, and you will be fondly remembered for the example you left us.”
SUSTAINING WORD FOR THE WEEK: Be faithful to the purpose God has given you and let Him determine how or even if, you are remembered. Make a lasting effect on the Kingdom of God and strive to hear Jesus say, Well done, good and faithful servant.