"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23, 24
Years after their death, many famous runners are still being remembered for their achievements. Steve Prefontaine (aka Pre), who was only 24 when he died, went down as a running icon, breaking records in seven track events. Florence Griffith-Joyner, who died suddenly at the age of 38, is still being hailed as the fastest woman to have ever competed, and Jessie Owens, who died in 1980, is still remembered for winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics. But as great as those achievements are, they pale in comparison to those of another famous person who passed away yesterday at the age of 99 - the reverend Billy Graham. This iconic preacher, who found Christ at a tent revival when he was just 16, counseled a dozen presidents, comforted the nation during times of heartbreak, and proclaimed the gospel at hundreds of crusades and revivals from Miami to Moscow. This humble man who spent his life "working for the Lord" is said to have changed the lives of millions and will forever be remembered, and leave a legacy, as America's pastor and a man who dearly loved God.
And you know, while you and I may never have the platform to change the lives of millions of people by publicly preaching the Word, we do have opportunities each and every day to teach, serve, touch and bless at least one person where we work and where we live. In fact, the Bible tells us that wherever we are and "whatever" we may find ourselves doing, that we are to do it "as working for the Lord." And could there be any more important work than loving our neighbors, serving in our churches and communities, and telling the lost about the saving grace of Jesus Christ?
So today is a great day to ask yourself... am I living my life so as to leave behind a legacy of service and faithfulness to the Lord? Or am I living my life to leave behind a legacy of self achievements, wealth and accomplishments? Let me remind you that only one will be rewarded with "an inheritance from the Lord" my friend - and that’s the one whose life was lived "working for the Lord" to make a difference in the lives of others.
Heavenly Father, thank you for those believers who serve you in all they do each and every day. Thank you for the lives they are changing and the legacy they will leave behind. May we strive to be those believers - unwilling to do anything that doesn't win others to you or bring you glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
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