I’ve had ample time to think over the last fifteen months. Hours spent alone in the hospital have provided the opportunity to ponder life’s many questions. Today, my hour-long commute does the same when I’m not listening to a podcast.
Given the circumstances of the last year, it isn’t surprising that often my thoughts have centered on my legacy. Many times I’ve wondered how I would be remembered if cancer got the better of me. Nowadays, I wonder how I’ll be remembered when God is finally finished with me and I die peacefully in my sleep as a very old man.
Whether that day comes soon or decades from now, the question of my legacy is still paramount. It’s really never too early to think about this. At thirty-seven, I pray that I have many years left, but it’s what I do in that remaining time that will determine the impact my life has made.
The Value of a Life
Our legacies will have nothing to do with assets, degrees, titles, or social media status. It will have everything to do with how much we have loved others.
Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor at North Point Ministries and a leadership expert, said it well in a recent podcast1:
“The value of a life is measured by how much of it is given away.”
God gives us value as a person. In return, our lives are given value by how much we give back to Him. To live for ourselves, focused on accumulation and accomplishments, is meaningless. Just read Ecclesiastes.
Living for God and others brings purpose and significance. It helps us remove the focus from our own troubles and find joy in helping others. It’s what Jesus did and I want to be more like him.
“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16 NLT)
I had a unique experience back in November at the change of command ceremony for my battalion. I was coming out of command after only eleven months. You can’t really command an Infantry battalion with leukemia. It was a bit surreal – kind of like attending my own funeral. I was blessed by many Soldiers telling me how I had impacted their lives during my time in the organization. I left there very humbled and encouraged, but also determined that I would continue to work toward building a lasting, positive legacy in whatever circumstances I faced.
I receive much joy and satisfaction by helping to develop and mentor other young leaders. I get even more joy from leading and serving my family. But I know there is more of my life that I can give away. Like my friend and fellow Soldier, Justin, who also suffers from cancer. He is giving his life to fight veteran suicides, all while fighting for his own survival. Please read his story here. Talk about a legacy…
Eternal Significance
A couple years ago I visited the grave of my Granny Blessing. She wasn’t related to me by blood; she was our next-door neighbor and loved me like her own grandson. She died when I was about ten. It took a while to find her headstone. It was toward the back and hadn’t been maintained. It looked like no one had been there in years.
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| Photo by David Brossard, https://www.flickr.com/photos/string_bass_dave/5215946981/sizes/l |
I thought this was terribly sad. But I’ve realized that part of her legacy is how she gave of her life for me. She loved me and cared for me immensely. Over twenty-five years after her death, I’ve never forgotten that.
One day each of our headstones will be covered over, our names forgotten to this world except for the inscription on the marker. But, our legacy that comes from giving our lives away to God and others has eternal significance. While the world may pass away, our contributions to the Kingdom of God and his people will not. The only life worth living is one that we’re willing to give away.
And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:17 NLT)
Question for you: What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Please leave a comment below.
kindness and love, and the gift of Jesus!
Amen, Debbie.
Thanks for writing this Jeff. Men our age rarely have this perspective, and those that do (including myself) need a daily reminder. Praying for you.
You’re welcome, Rick. I need daily reminders myself, especially when I got caught up in the less important (work) at the expense of the most important (family).