At some point in your life you are going to feel a need to do, say, or write something that provides value to those who follow you. This is referred to as building a legacy. Even though we know our eternal home is in Heaven, we want to leave something behind so we are not forgotten, because statistics show that the average person fades into total obscurity after the fourth generation! I encourage you to think about your own personal legacy — it is never too early.

A legacy can be created simply by being in the right place at the right time. Look at John 9: 1–3: As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ²His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” His legacy was part of God’s plan for him to be remembered for thousands of years because of his faith in Christ’s healing ability.

More often people create their own legacy. For example, today is the day that Miles Coverdale died. His was the publisher of the very first complete printed English Bible. He worked with Tyndale and finished the work after Tyndale died in 1536. In addition he collaborated on the Great Bible (1539) and edited Cramer’s Bible (1540.) He was instrumental in getting the Bible to the common man. His belief in reform and strong desire to see God’s word within everyone’s reach allowed God to help him create that legacy. But his work and passion was the source of being forced out of England twice to work on the continent until favorable leaders returned him home. You see, kids, the desire must come from within you. God will fan the flame!

Now, please understand what I am saying. I am not telling you to try to become famous. I am asking you to consider becoming the person whom God can use by taking the passion inside of you and multiplying it like no one else can. God is all about taking the ordinary and making something extraordinary out of it. It doesn’t matter if it is playing in a band like Third Day or teaching Taekwondo to kids in a fellowship hall after school so you can tell them that God loves them. What do you like to do? What do you have skill sets for? Even if you feel you have nothing to offer you cannot forget that the ONLY Gift of the Spirit mentioned in every citation of spiritual gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, or 1 Peter 4) is helping. Simply doing whatever needs to be done. That can be anything from delivering a meal to sweeping off the porch. If you accept God’s word as truth, then this is all you really need to know for creating your own legacy. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Now you know the secret. Find something you love, commit your efforts to the Lord, and jump in with both feet. Let Him do the rest. Nowhere else can you find the energy to multiply your efforts like the power available through the Holy Spirit. He has much longer arms than you do!

Love, Dad