S181P6 – The king’s exiting prayer: a lasting legacy

1 Chr. 29:18-19

Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.  And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.

I came to Christ and immediately had one great concern that I think most of us have.  I had spent so much time living in an ungodly way that I could not foresee myself now living in a way that would please God.  I focused a lot of my energy on doing a good job while here in this system of things, which is not necessarily a bad thing.  The problem is that my focus did not really extend beyond my time here.  I wanted to please God, and I wanted to live this life well, but I did not really consider that doing a good job for God also meant extending my work beyond this life.  I never thought about leaving a legacy once I am no longer here.

David accomplished a lot for the Lord in his life, but he understood that his work did not end simply because his natural life ended.  He understood that he could have an effect beyond this life if he could multiply his work in the future lives of others.  His satisfaction was not found in hoping of passing on his knowledge and his faith to others.  His satisfaction was in purposely making sure that this happened.  His intent was to leave behind a godly legacy that would inspire and encourage others not only to live godly lives but also to leave their own legacies.  In essence, he was building a franchise of faith and good works where others could replicate the sowing and reaping he experienced.

Some people think that leaving a legacy means being remembered once one is gone.  I certainly can understand how that definition is derived, but a legacy can exist without that memory.  We can show others how to live godly lives, and they can show other people what they have learned from us without ever telling of who we are.  We are not the focus of the legacy.  The kingdom of God must be the focus, and our intent must be to leave behind that which will influence the kingdom’s growth.  Father, help us to build a spiritual legacy that will replicate our good works and good fruit well beyond our years here.