Legacy of Grace, Truth and Love
“For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.” Psalm 49:17
In light of eternity, we cannot become consumed with the temporary, but a vision that endures. In order to be a Godly leader, we must all leave a legacy in our friends and family. A legacy is an achievement which lives on in others long after you die. We spoke with several Christian authors and asked them one question: How do you plan to leave a legacy of grace, truth, and gospel love?
F.P. Lione
Author of 12 Saturday’s F.P. Lione says:
“While raising our boys we always tried to lead by example, especially in things of faith. They know we work with the poor and both of them are generous and considerate to the less fortunate, especially the homeless. Living in New York City has not hardened them to those on the street and they understand and respect our “Don’t Walk By” philosophy. When they were growing up, we had the unfortunate experience of going to a church where the Pastor left his wife for another woman, a member of the church who was also married. The result of that was very far reaching and after serving in the church for years many people were hurt and disillusioned, my children included. It saddened me when our younger son said what he learned was if you put someone in the front of any room, people will believe anything they say. Our older son who has gone through some extremely difficult things was angry with God. Through this we allowed them to feel how they felt, often saying, “We understand how you feel and you are allowed to feel the way you feel, but we’re not God’s lawyer, you have to work this out with him.”
This life and Christian walk is not without challenges and often suffering. When our younger son recently went to Thailand he told us, it was a “godless place,” noting the lack of Christianity there. He said he believes in God, just not in churches. Just a few months ago our older son said someone at work asked him how he knew so much about God and he told him, “I was raised in a Christian home.” Those words were the nicest thing anyone has ever said about us. I think that in and of itself is our legacy.”
James Dyet
“I would hope that something I have written will have a positive influence on future generations, but I believe my greatest legacy is my children and grandchildren, all of whom are believers,” answered author James Dyet.
B.N. Rundell
And author B.N. Rundell left us with this great verse:
“I Cor. 6:20, and 10:31, tells us that no matter what we do – love our spouse, raise our children, write a book, be a good neighbor, help a stranger, share the gospel, we are to do all in such a way that we glorify God.
That is a mighty high standard to live up to, but when we realize that the pages of our life are the only Bible some will read, we must show them the love of God! It’s not what we do, but everything we do. Only then will we leave behind a legacy of grace, truth and love.”