My Legacy

February 15th, 2023

In scripture, I love the passages that allow me to see a picture of the love of Jesus. One of my favorites is found in three of the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke included this word picture in their books.

The disciples were blocking the parents from allowing their children to meet Jesus. Jesus, however, invited them:

Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

–Luke 18:16

I can see the children running up to Jesus, Him dropping down to their level and opening His arms to receive them in a big hug, blessing each one. He truly loved the little children.

When I think of leaving a legacy, this is the picture I want people to see in me. I want to be seen as one who loves and includes the little children. I want the little ones to realize that Jesus loves them. I am honored that God has placed this desire in my heart. You see, this is my passion and God has opened doors throughout my life to serve where I am greatly blessed.

Pastor Josh shared that “We will leave a Christ-like legacy when we serve others as Christ did.” Jesus modeled for us that serving impacts not only those we serve but also those who do the serving. Serving others is an everyday occurrence and also a specialized opportunity to use the gifts God has given to bring completeness to who we are.

To serve the Lord is to follow His leading and the desire He places in your heart. It is your legacy to leave.

I began purposefully serving the Lord in my teenage years. I was the leader of the Joybells which was comprised of two, three, and four-year-old children. It was not a glamorous job to serve them—it was a lot of cutting materials, tying shoes, and wiping noses. But it was also a wonderful time of hearing them sing that Jesus loved them. This is a memory that brings joy to my heart.

Paul writes:

“For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.”

–Philippians 2:13

To serve the Lord is to follow His leading and the desire He places in your heart. It is your legacy to leave. Each of us has been created with gifts and abilities that are God-given. In our growing relationship with Him, He leads and guides us to the areas of service that will bring us the greatest joy.

My serving has not ended; I now have the opportunity weekly to encourage adults and teens who are serving in the nursery and preschool ministries at The Ridge. I hope that I am able to help them see what a great value it is to plant the seed of faith in the hearts of young children.

What is your legacy? This week as you take Pastor Josh’s challenge to serve, pay close attention to what brings you joy as you serve. God is preparing you for the area where you will leave your legacy of faith.
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