From the moment we are born, time begins to tick. We go from cute, soft and fragile babies to old wrinkly adults with doctor appointments and a drawer full of medication. Don’t we wish we can stop time and maybe just press the pause button on life, just a little? I know I do at times. I wish I can go back to being a carefree child who doesn’t have any true responsibliities or worries. I think the real question we should ask is, What legacy will we leave behind? How will we be remembered? Have we accomplished all that the Lord has placed in our path? Late evangelist Billy Graham said it best, “My home is in heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”

I am sure when Jonah (the book of Jonah in the Bible) ended up in the belly of a big fish, he was of course asking for forgiveness, but I am sure he was also afraid of his life being over. What if God was not merciful or what if He wasn’t graceful enough to give Jonah another chance? Jonah would have left this world being disobedient to God. Friends, you and I have a responsibility here on earth to heed to the Lord’s commands. He has given us life for a reason. We each have a calling that the Lord has placed in us to spread the good news and to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Our legacy that we leave behind should unite, encourage and leave an impression of God in the lives of others.

Our memory should not be how many houses we had, the cars we drove or how much money we made. What good would that be? How would that make an impact on someone else’s life? Besides, none of these things here on earth will go with us! It says in 1 Corinthians 7:31, “Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” I am reminded of a story I recently heard from my father in law. This was a story told by my grandfather a long time ago. When my grandfather was just starting out with Cruzada church, he needed some music equipment. A lady he knew had a piano passed down through her family, in which she refused to give away. One night she had a dream that the Lord came and as He was trying to take her with Him, she was trying to take the piano with her through her window. The Lord left her behind since she couldn’t let go of her earthly possession. The next morning she called my grandfather and told him to take the piano! I would too if I was her. 

The point is to let our lives be fruitful and bless others.  Let us allow God to completely work through us for His glory.  I pray that anything that may be a hindrance in our lives will no longer be there. I pray for God’s light to shine through us to help not only ourselves, but to allow God to work through us to help others. There are people dying everyday without Jesus, let us not become distracted or complacent that we miss our chance to share the good news about the salvation of Jesus Christ.  Let our lives lead a legacy that speaks of God!

Written by: Bonnie Vargas