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By Dr. Howdy, Ph.D.
A.P.E., N.U.T.
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Saturday
The Power of Legacy
Timothy was a young pastor in the ancient world. He had a personal
relationship with one of the great celebrities of the church, Paul the
Apostle, and gave us the opportunity to listen in on Paul's admonition
and encouragement to him.
Paul tells him in the second letter. "As I remember your tears, I long to
see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere
faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother
Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I
remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the
laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power
and love and self-control" (2 Tim 1:4-7).
At this time of year, when families gather round, it is important for us
to reflect on those who have gone before us as examples of Jesus Christ.
Even if we do not have a family who follows Christ, we do have those who
come to mind that walked in his steps.
One who comes to my mind this Christmas season is my mother who departed
the planet a little over a year ago. A personal irony of the verse above
is that her name was Lois. It is at the family gatherings that she is
missed the most. Her contributions to conversation, her stories, her
generosity, her understanding, concern, warmth, and laughter, and her
energetic, positive attitude made Christmas mean something more for me.
Though the loss tugs at the tears in those moments of remembrance, there
is something else that also tugs at the heart to carry on.
In a recent memorial service for a respected woman at my church, we were
told of "the power of L." First, was "the power of the Lord" to meet us
in our needs. Second was "the power of Love," not only from God, but from
a worshipping community. These were needed statements to meet the family
and those of us who miss her. Yet, again, something tugged at my heart
that moved my mind: "The power of Legacy."
Paul understood this, which is why he penned it in an inspired letter to
Timothy. Remember, what your mother and grandmother stood for.
Remember where they fixed their heart. Remember their sensitivity to spiritual
things. Some of the things you appreciated about them most did not
originate from them. They originated in God who gives the Holy Spirit
freely to whose that will trust Him.
This power of legacy that originates in God and is played out in the hands
and feet of His people encourage me. I may be separated from my mother for
the duration of my earthy sojourn, but my confidence lies in carrying her
legacy, which was empowered by the Holy Spirit.
As you turn your attention from the Christmas season to thoughts of the
new year, reflect again on the Christ who came. It was for forgiveness,
but also for holiness. It was for friendship, but also for
apprenticeship. It was for love, but also for legacy. Our Lord of Glory
has come to make disciples and leave us a legacy so that we may walk in
his steps. Dale Fincher
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