Lasting Legacy

Sometimes I think too much. Other times not enough. But one thing I do think about a lot is the question "does my life matter?" Am I investing myself, my time, my talents, my resources in things with eternal value? Or am I spending it all on myself and things that really won't matter in a week, let alone for eternity? If today was my last day, what would my legacy be? Would I even leave one?

I know what I want to be remembered for: a life lived full-out for God... a light to those who don't know God, an encouragement to those who do, the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. I fail a lot, more than I care to admit, but I trust God is working this out in my life. When I do reach my last day and go home to be with the Lord, I want to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

I'm not a Nickelback fan at all, but "If Today Was Your Last Day" strikes a chord with me every time I hear it. If those things that come to mind are important enough to be the last things I would do, what am I waiting for? I may not ever have that last minute chance to do them. I should be living like every day is my last!

I Got the Message!

One of my favourite events each year is the Global Leadership Summit... live via satellite from Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago to hundreds of cities and thousands of leaders. I always come away with a lot of great practical advice and new insight.


It's often hard to sum up the day in a few words, but today is an exception. During the opening session, Bill Hybels talked about whispers from God. The entire time all I heard in my head was "don't quit." What's the first thing he says when he starts listing examples to close?! DON'T QUIT! Follow that with Jim Collins in session two... key point for me... NEVER EVER GIVE UP. Hmmm... !! Honestly, I've been thinking about quitting something recently... more out of frustration and a sense of impossibility than anything else, even though my spirit resists actually doing it. I absolutely believe in whispers from God. I've heard too many of them over the years not to. And I always regret it when I don't heed those whispers. Every time. And this wouldn't be an exception.


In John 10:27 Jesus says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." His voice is truly unmistakable to those who know Him and are willing to listen. What is God saying to you? Take the time to listen; your life will never be the same. I say that from experience. And I wouldn't want to have missed it!

Wanted: Expert Tongue Tamer

I just love sermons that get under my skin. Really, I do. I heard just such a sermon this past Sunday from James 3 about that wild beast known as the tongue! (Check it out at www.srfconnect.com; Basic Training, Week 6). It's really humbling to admit that my words wouldn't always pass muster.


I've said a lot of things I shouldn't have... and wish I hadn't. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, sometimes unintentionally, but more often disguised as opinions. I'm thankful I've never been much of a gossip. Being the subject of some ridiculous gossip recently (the details of which no longer matter) has given me pause to really think about my own words no matter what the context. Would I want someone to say those things about me? Would I say the same thing directly to the person? Moreover, do my words honour God? It's so easy to let hurt, anger, frustration, disappointment or confusion spill over into a barrage of words that would be better directed to God (who knows what we're thinking and feeling anyway) than to those around us.


I'm not saying we shouldn't talk over troubles, concerns, hurts and such with trusted friends and family members. I am saying we should choose our words and our confidantes very carefully. If the feelings of those around me and my own reputation aren't enough to compel me to speak with care, this should be: "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:36) A sobering thought, for sure. But I am encouraged to know that God forgives.  He is able to help me conquer and control my wayward tongue, if I'm willing to allow Him to. And I am. How about you?