One hundred years from now, nobody will even know that you existed. This is perhaps the greatest “ouch” of human misery. The desire to leave a legacy is a natural thing.  There is just something that resides in the inner depth of every person that can’t handle the idea of dying and being forgotten.  We were not created to be forgotten. And we know that.  And our depravity saddles that horse and rides it into crazy places.

The Bible is replete with story after story of fallen (even God fearing) folk seeking to make sure they make their mark and leave a name for themselves.

“Then they said, ‘Come let us build a city and tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, ….”  Genesis 11:4

“Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself ….” I Sam. 15:12

You can add to the list Eve, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, Solomon, and Gideon!

Oh, and you can add your own name.

Keep in mind, when we seek to make a name for ourselves, we reflect Satan, himself. Isaiah 14 talks about the day that Satan fell from his position of most anointed cherub to, well… what he is today.  A quest for your own kingdom will do that to you.
“You said in your heart,
    “I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
    above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
    on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
    I will make myself like the Most High.”

One day the apostle Paul was on his way back to Jerusalem.  Unfortunately, there was a contract out on his head from the family whose headquarters were in Jerusalem.  His crime, not seeking to make his own name great, only Jesus’. 

His friends tried to persuade him from going.  They were pleading with him describing the things that might happen to him if he continued on his journey.  Paul shuts them up with this:

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. – Acts 20:24

How are you trying to leave a legacy?  Please don’t dismiss this or think you are beyond it. Take a moment and reflect.  Then pray.  Then read a bit more of Paul’s story. Philippians 3:1-14

 

Then, click on the video below and worship.   

​

​

​