Faith can be a legacy that lasts

I’m reminded of the cartoon I saw where an elderly dad opened the door of his rental storage unit full of stuff from floor to ceiling and told his son, “Someday, boy, all of this will be yours.” Oh, wow, Dad, thanks. Legacies come in many forms. Some are worth a fortune in money, some are a fortune in memories, and some are a fortune for the dumpster company that hauls it all away.

By definition, a legacy is anything handed down from the past, something from an ancestor that is willed to someone. It is meant to be treasured and guarded closely. Most of the time, a legacy is of a physical nature, but there also are spiritual legacies. God’s Word instructs longtime believers to leave a legacy of faith. The Thessalonians were great examples of that when the apostle Paul wrote, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere.” There is not a better way to be remembered to future generations than to be a believer or a local church whose faith has “sounded forth” everywhere. Paul also gave thanks to God because the believers in Rome had a faith that was being talked about all over the world.

Our public reputation as an individual believer and collectively as a local church is one way we leave a legacy. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great wealth.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven.” And Peter wrote in his epistle,“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

But we can only leave a lasting spiritual legacy if we are ready and unashamed. Paul told Timothy, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus.” He told the church at Rome, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Peter wrote to his flock about legacy by saying, “Keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear. Then people will see the good way you live as followers of Christ.”

Following our 11 a.m. service at Harrisville Methodist this Sunday, children and adults will walk over to what will be the new sanctuary. We will be armed with Sharpies and write scriptures on the 2-by-4s in the sanctuary so the Word of God will be the legacy and underpinnings of our new building when those walls are covered. You are welcome to join us.

Ken Staley is pastor of Faith Church of Pleasant Grove 9:30am and Harrisville Methodist Church 11:00am. Both are Global Methodist congregations. Text Ken at 918-852-9797