LOVE = REACH Day 20

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

 

What powerful words that Paul said in this scripture above. He was telling them that he would live his life in such a way they could follow Him and it would lead them to Christ! That is someone who being intentional about the legacy they are leaving. Could someone follow your example in the way you live, love, reach, what you watch, how you talk, where you go and end up following Christ as a result?

Every person is going to leave a legacy. We get to decide what the legacy will be – I have a fond memory of a man named, Burgan Hall. Burgan was a man in my church growing up who was constantly telling people about Jesus. Everywhere he went he was asking people if they knew where they would go when they died and he went about gently introducing others to a loving God. When I think of someone I would want to be like, it is Burgan. He would come to church each week and say : I got 3 this week or 5 – he meant he had prayed the prayer of salvation with that many people. What a legacy – to be known as a soul winner.

Whether your legacy is giving an individual a stepping stone, helping the next generation forward, leading people to Christ, or having a generous spirit we choose the legacy we are going to lead. We choose legacy in the way we live, act, and treat others.

The Bible tells us that a good person (or a righteous man) will plan and consider how he will leave a legacy – not just to his children, but beyond them to the next generation. I want to encourage you to think about your life; and what you will pass on, or what you will leave, to the next generation. Every one of us will leave something.

A legacy is what you stood for. It’s how you lived your life; what you accomplished, or did with your life.

Every person who comes into this world is born with a plan and a purpose, designed by God; to leave something in this world, as a result of being here – not just bones in a box buried somewhere, but that life would count for something.

The challenge is to discover: why did God place me on this earth; then bring me into relationship with Him? What am I called to accomplish with my life? What legacy will I leave behind me? Every one of us has to answer that question; no one can decide this for us.

Your reputation, or your character, is a very real legacy that you leave. Your name, the Bible says: “a good name is more to be desired than silver and gold.” When people hear your name what do they think? Will you be remembered for the way you loved? The way you made an effort to REACH others? Can people follow the way you live and find Jesus?

 

REACH:
Be intentional about your legacy. A legacy is not one act. It’s a cumulative collection of acts throughout your life that summarizes who you were. It requires daily intentionality to be focused on what others will take away from your moments here on Earth. Live a Legacy that challenges your kids and other generations to be like you.