“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 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.” 2 Peter 1:12-15
I asked friends of mine on Facebook a few days ago this question:
“If you were to be remembered for one thing, what would it be?”
Some of their responses:
“He was my friend”
“She loved me”
“They led me to Christ”
“I saw Jesus in her”
“He understood and lived grace”
“She cared for others”
These and many more were wonderful responses given…what would your response be?
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What kind of mark do you want to leave on this earth?
In our Army we have this wonder phrase of “Promoted Glory” which I wrote about this week
“Dear Salvation Army – Promotion to Glory, Heaven on Earth”
But before this glorious promotion, what can we do now to bring Heaven to Earth?
How can we lead other people to Christ, to live with grace, dignity, holiness and love?
Are we even considering the kind of legacy that we want to leave behind us for future generations?
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” -Shannon Adler
Tonight in St. Louis (Central Territory, USA) The Salvation Army will be holding a “Promoted To Glory” service for one of our own. He was a godly man, a friend, a brother, a father. His legacy is, without a doubt, carved into the hearts of many with whom he had the opportunity to teach, to love and to administer God’s grace. Over the course of this week I have read tribute after tribute from people from all walks of life. This man fought the good fight and the world he left behind is so much better because of His contributions to it. He was able to live out Heaven here on Earth!
What kind of legacy do you wish to leave behind in this world? Where can you bring Heaven to Earth today? Where has God appointed YOU so that His grace might be dispensed upon those who are so desperately in need of it? He still needs ambassadors who are willing to serve regardless of the response or the fear of rejection. God has accepted you and me for this holy calling! Do not take your life for granted and the good you can do within the lives of other people because of the mighty work of the Holy Spirit!
I am reminded of two song lyrics within this context today:
Switchfoot within their song “Thrive” repeats the phrase “I want to thrive not just survive“
Steve Green within his song “Find us Faithful” –
“…may all who come behind
us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave,
lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us
find us faithful“
May it be our desire to serve the Lord in such a way that those who come after us are reminded of our faithfulness to God and that because of it they too wish to follow in our footsteps. This isn’t some sort of arrogant desire or a selfish ambition, but rather a deep longing to live a life that reflects Christ and because of it a sweet aroma of sacrifice and holiness will compel others to walk in the same manner.
What indelible mark are you leaving on this Earth?
Are you lighting the pathway of Holiness for others?
Are you displaying faithfulness to God through your living?
May we thrive and not just survive!
May those who come behind us find us faithful!
-Something more for our Army and ALL Believers to ponder today!
Pastor's Ponderings 
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