I’m part of a pastors’ group of six that meets monthly. Recently a dear friend and fellow pastor who has been in our group for eleven years shared that he has accepted another pastoral assignment in Connecticut. Chad’s new responsibilities begin with the New Year. Each of us wished him well, prayed for him and his family, and shared a few words about what his friendship has meant to us through the years. It was a moving moment.
As Chad goes, he is leaving a legacy at Mountainview Evangelical Free Church. He is also leaving a legacy with us.
The whole thing caused me to think: what legacy am I leaving? Unlike Chad, I’m not going to another church or moving out of state. I hope to spend a life-time at Grace Fellowship. But whenever and however my “leaving” occurs, what impact or legacy will be left behind?
Frankly, that question has pursued, indeed hounded, me for years. If a life leaves no footprint… was it really worth living? If the world has not been made a better place for someone… was my presence really needed? Why did I bother to take up space for those years and breathe the air?
The problem with an inordinate fixation on legacy is that I don’t have control of it. Frankly, I’ve come to believe that I’m not responsible for the legacy I leave behind. Really. What I am responsible for is my faithfulness to my calling.
If, as I faithfully steward my life, a deep and profound legacy is created, wonderful!
If, as I faithfully steward my life, a paltry and almost imperceptible legacy is created, that’s okay, too.
I can only be responsible for my part of the equation, faithfulness. The sum product (ie. legacy) lies in God’s hands.
Bottom line: I’ve stopped worrying so much about legacy. It doesn’t dominate my thoughts as it once did. Now, I simply seek to be as faithful to God’s will and calling each day as I can possibly be. The results I leave with God.
Insight for the Journey 
Sir, Thank you for your faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of your testimony of His grace and love and your sound teaching of the Scripture that my own life has been changed. There is never a day that goes by that I am not reminded of how God has used you in my life. Therefore, Sir, I would say you are continuing with His “legacy” so to speak on this earth as those faithful servants in Christ have before you…serving His living legacy.