“I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.” — 1 Peter 1:13-15
In John 21:18-19, Jesus tells Peter, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
When Peter is writing his letter to these churches, he knows his time on this earth is coming to an end. He knows that his life journey is almost over and he wants to make sure that he’s “stirring up” the believers by way of reminders.
I’m sure there were many things Peter could have been investing his time and efforts towards as his life was drawing to a close. What did he choose? God’s people. He chose to put a great effort into his legacy.
Christian, what are you putting your efforts into? None of us know when we’ll leave this world so we may not sense any urgency to answer this question. However, we all know that our time here is limited for sure. Why not make an effort to leave your legacy in something that will last?
Does your wife know you love her? Does your husband know you love him? Do your kids know that you are there for them no matter what? Does your church family know you are devoted to them? Do your friends and family know that what you’re living for is bigger than the here and now?
In two generations, the only memory of you will be what those who knew you personally will pass down. After that, people will only know you by what’s said about you. That’s incredibly sobering. What will you give them to remember you by?
Making an effort,
Billy
Posted in A Word from the Pastor