Like it or not, we form an impression of people based off of what they leave behind. For example, if someone leaves trash and junk on a place, we tend to think negatively of him. I know of some, who after finishing a meal at a restaurant, neatly stack their plates, silverware, and napkins for the waitress or busboy before they leave, so as to make their job easier. The Bible speaks of impressions we form of others after they die: The memory of the just is blessed: But the name of the wicked shall rot (Proverbs 10:7). Our memory of someone will be either positive or negative based on the legacy they leave behind. A legacy is something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past (Merriam-Webster). What will be your legacy, and will it be remembered favorably?
On the pages of Scripture, the apostle Paul shares his memories, both good and bad, of others. Little is known about the man named Onesiphorus, but he certainly lived up to his name, which means "profit-bearer." Recalling his memory, Paul wrote, The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well (2 Timothy 1:16-18). What a valuable legacy he left behind!
In the same letter to Timothy, the apostle also wrote of another whom he viewed in stark contrast to Onesiphorus: Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words (2 Timothy 4:14,15). One cannot but help recoil in disgust at the description of a man who now lives in infamy, Alexander the coppersmith. It is like he left a stinking pile of trash behind. His memory has indeed rotted over the last two millennia. To Paul's credit, he gives place unto the Lord's wrath instead of avenging himself (cf. Romans 12:19).
The man who left the greatest legacy is our Lord, Jesus. It is in his example that we see what is truly a great legacy to leave behind. It is not about making a name for oneself, or about how great you can become in the eyes of others. No, it is about selflessness. A great legacy is about serving others instead of seeking to be served by others. Jesus admonished his self-seeking disciples on one occasion, saying, But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mark 10:43-45). If you want to leave behind a great legacy, spend your life serving others. Jesus left the greatest legacy because he served all.
How many people do you serve? Do not wait until it is too late to leave a good legacy to your children and grandchildren. Start working on your legacy today by following Jesus' example so that your family will be blessed by your memory.
Brotherly, Jamie
