OFF KILTER BLOG: Legacy

 

Today hard rock and heavy metal fans the world over are mourning the death of Eddie Van Halen. Known for being one of the world’s greatest guitarists, his own distinctive hammer-on and pull-off guitar style, and the band that bears his name, Eddie lost his battle with cancer yesterday at age 65. Though he is now gone, he will always be remembered as a master guitar player, often imitated, but never surpassed. That is his legacy. When your life on earth is gone- as it surely will someday- what will you be remembered by? What is your legacy?

All men have been given gifts, whether they choose to acknowledge God or not. The Word says:

            James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Today’s NIV

            James 1:17 “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.” The Message

Therefore, if you have a gift, be it a natural talent or learned through much hard work, acknowledge the Lord above who gave it to you (for in a sense this gift has been only lent to you) and use it in a way that reflects glory back to Him and not to your own ego.  So if you and I are average Joes, what does that look like for us? We can’t all be the greatest guitarist in the world. However, we have God-given gifts and talents in hand. What should we do with those gifts? How do we go about leaving a mark on the world around us?

The wise King Solomon answered this question for us in this way:

            Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Today’s NIV

            Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, for there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think in the company of the dead, where you’re most certainly headed.” The Message

 

So Solomon was quite practical in his advice for us. Rather than looking to a shooting star or destiny to knock on our door, we’re advised to do what comes our way. And that will be led by our own talents and strengths, for sure. Look to God for direction, but then start moving into whatever open door God puts before us. When we do that to the best of our ability, and lay our ego aside, God will be honored. As the old Tourniquet song goes- don’t be dismayed about “pushin’ broom”- do what God puts before you for that time, and move on when He tells you to. Fame and fortune may never be yours (as they are fleeting at best), but you will leave a legacy that points to the Living God.

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