Have you ever stopped to pick up a shell at the beach? There are so many beautiful shapes and colors...it’s hard to resist not bringing one home. Have you ever thought about how they got there? Shells begin their journey in the ocean... far from the shoreline. They are carried for many miles in the surf and washed up unceremoniously on the beach for us to discover. We don’t always see the wave that brought them... just the beauty that stays ... It got me thinking about things that get left behind... about legacy... about what remains...
Let’s look at an example from scripture:
“The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.” Acts 5:12-16
The disciples left behind whole, healed bodies and souls. Where they went they brought miracles and hope.
What about us? When we encounter people... what are we leaving behind?
Are we healing more than we hurt? I’m not just talking about physically.... emotionally, relationally, and spiritually as well. Are we more concerned about being right than being restorative? Do we dedicate our time to healing and helping... or breaking up and bowing out? While we may not be able to cure like the disciples... we can spend much more of our time as peacemakers, heart-healers, and hope-bringers. What you and I leave behind in this area will be remembered long after what we thought was important. Trophies tarnish... raises get spent... but a legacy of kindness, servanthood, and benevolence will affect generations of our families far more.
I want to leave you today with a challenge. For the next 24 hours... keep that in the forefront of your mind. Ask yourself the question “when I leave a situation... what will remain?”
Have I...
Changed the climate from hostile to God-honoring?
Brought joy where there was despair?
Reflected Christ’s character?
Healed a heart or made it worse?
Improved the morale of the team?
When the door closes behind me... are they happy I left or wish I’d stayed longer? Did I make the most of that last conversation? When people see me do they think world-changer or whiner?
What we leave behind us matters. We have a limited time on this Earth to make an impact for God. Seize each day... make the most of every opportunity to help and serve... And you will leave a legacy that honors the One who created you.
