When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. – Heb 6:13-20
What is a Legacy of Life?
Everyone leaves a legacy of some kind – the question is not if you leave a legacy but what will your life’s legacy be. A legacy is something that remains after we leave this world, something that speaks of our lives. We often think of a legacy as something a previous generation leaves to us, but it is broader and far more foundational for Christians.
The world entices us all to view our life in terms of personal and professional accomplishment, the ladder of success. A ladder with rungs built upon goals and achievement universally recognized by society as ‘good’ we strive to leave something behind. But what about God, is this all there is? Is He looking for the good in us by which to measure our spiritual inheritance?
Politicians desire a historical legacy of influence and often personal power. Scientists, hope to be written in annals of discovery changing the course of mankind. Business men & women may hope for more than personal wealth or material gain, desiring to lead others in productivity or creativity influencing generations to come. What about parenting & families? Are we so different than our own, hoping our children will gain personal happiness and achieve more than ourselves.
But, what about heaven’s view to legacy? Is heaven’s concern limited to influence, power, discovery, wealth and personal happiness? No, the abundant life God promises is so much more. Everyone has a legacy written in heaven. Foundationally our legacy is the same. Uniquely every legacy is as individuated as our DNA. Just like the question of legacy – it is not ‘if’ you have a spiritual legacy, it is about discovering your legacy with God, your identity in Christ. His inheritance created by Him solely for you.