(c) Amy Lewis, 2009

Poor Ernie. I often think of how he’ll be remembered after he’s gone. He’ll never be remembered as a winning barrel horse or a stellar heading horse. Everyone who reads these lessons forms an opinion of him. Some probably see him as stubborn or defiant. For some, Ernie may be a tool that God has used to spiritually enlighten those who read these words. Ernie’s legacy is dependent, however, on how I portray him in these writings. He has little influence on how he’ll be remembered.

Unlike Ernie, each of us can intentionally determine our legacy. How? By choosing to boldly speak the truth. By choosing to put God first in our lives, our work and our priorities. By choosing to trust the Holy Spirit when He leads us away from a life of comfort, security and prosperity for a life of unknowns.

Paul is one of many examples in the Bible of someone who set aside his worldly ambitions to live for Christ. As he said in Philippians 2: “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ.”

Don’t let your legacy be only about performance in the rodeo arena or securing a sizable net worth. Those pursuits are admirable, yet temporary. Don’t let your legacy be defined by others or by circumstances. Consider your legacy from an eternal perspective and choose to make a difference.

How could you adjust your daily habits, your goals, your financial priorities to shape an eternal legacy? Is there someone you could invite to church? Is there a ministry that could use your financial support in order to survive or expand in meaningful ways? Is the Holy Spirit prompting you to leave your comfort zone for a new job or new location? Choose your legacy – starting today.

Luke 16:9 “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”

Questions for reflection:
1. If you were to die tonight, what kind of legacy would you leave? For what will you be remembered? Is this how you want to be remembered?

2. What can you do today to intentionally shape your eternal legacy? Commit to that vision today by sharing it with someone else.

3. What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do that may influence your legacy? What’s holding you back from following those promptings?

Remember — “lather, rinse, repeat.” I encourage you to read each of the devotions and reflect on the questions repeatedly throughout one week. Let the Sprit speak to you about what changes you could make in your life to grow closer to God and honor him more fully.

Grace and peace,
Amy