The Impact of a Godly Character: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
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Have you ever wondered what kind of impact your life will have on others? How will people remember you when you are gone? What will your legacy be? These are important questions to ask ourselves, especially as followers of Christ. We are called to be salt and light in the world, to reflect God's glory and grace, and to influence others for good. But sometimes, we may fail to live up to our calling, and instead of being a positive example, we may become a negative one.
Don't Be Like Them! A Tragic Example
In the book of Ezekiel chapter 5, we read about the city of Jerusalem, which was once the pride of God's people, but became corrupted by idolatry, injustice, and rebellion. God sent prophets to warn them of their sins and call them to repentance, but they did not listen. Instead, they mocked and persecuted the messengers of God and continued in their wicked ways. As a result, God withdrew his protection from them, and allowed them to be conquered by their enemies, who destroyed the city and the temple, and took many of the people into exile.
Jerusalem was a bad example to the nations around them. They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, showing them the true God and his ways, but they became like the other nations, following false gods and evil practices. They dishonored God's name and brought shame to themselves. They wasted their opportunity and privilege and faced God's judgment.
Wait, there's hope!
There is another example that we can follow, a better one, a perfect one. His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God, who came to earth as a human being, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead. He is the Savior of the world, the Lord of lords, the King of kings. He is the ultimate example of obedience, love, humility, service, sacrifice, and faithfulness. He fulfilled God's will and pleased God's heart. He glorified God's name and brought grace to us. He used his opportunity and privilege and secured our salvation.
Jesus is the best example to the nations around us. He is the light of the world, showing us the true God and his ways, and inviting us to follow him. He honored God's name and brought glory to himself. He wants us to share in his life and mission, and to be part of his family and kingdom.
What kind of example will you be?
In this blog, the challenge is for you to think about what kind of example you are setting for others. Someone once said that a good indication of our goals is what we would like engraved on our tombstone. Would you rather have visitors throughout the generations read; “She made lots of money” or “She was a generous person”? Would you rather they read, “She knew how to love” or “She knew how to walk with Jesus”? What will be your legacy, your example, for future generations? Ezekiel warns that turning against God may make you the kind of tragic example others do not wish to follow.
So, what kind of example will you be? Will you be like Jerusalem, who rebelled against God and suffered the consequences? Or will you be like Jesus, who submitted to God and brought salvation to the world?
The choice is yours. Choose wisely. Choose life. Choose Jesus.
Until next time,
Janice
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