After you have finished your career, raised your children, and left your earthy existence, what legacy do you hope to leave? What would be a fitting eulogy at your funeral?
While working many years ago as a chaplain and character coach for three NFL teams, I stressed the importance of building a positive legacy and developing good character. I explained that character is the moral, ethical, and spiritual undergirding that rests on truth, reinforces a life, and helps us resist the temptation to compromise. It is doing the right thing on purpose, regardless of the consequences, and even when nobody is looking. Character ultimately defines your legacy.
During my meetings with the young players and coaches, I challenged them to focus on the image they would leave when retiring from football. Proverbs 22:1 instructs us that “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” I knew that most people wouldn’t remember the ranking of a player as much as they’d recall his attitude, comments in front of a camera, or how he lived his personal life. After all, disgrace and scandals fill the headlines of the news. Reporters seem to revel in broadcasting the moral failures of prominent people, especially those connected with politics, professional sports, and ministry. Hypocrisy prevails as people adopt an attitude of prideful arrogance.
So how do we develop godly character? Godly character is more caught than taught. We especially “catch” godly character by spending time with godly people. If you’ve read any of my books, you know the importance I place on godly mentorship. We all need mentors in our lives, especially those who model for us what it means to follow Jesus.
Paul repeatedly told those he had led to Christ, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) When I read that passage as a young man, I thought I’d never be able to say that. I had put Paul on a pedestal and assumed it was his over-the-top piety that enabled him to say that. But now I know that any follower of Jesus should be able to say that. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
After all, what greater legacy to leave than to be known as one who truly followed Jesus? And don’t think you have to have grey hair to be able to claim such a legacy. Paul told Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believes in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) So, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-9
Personal Application: How would those closest to you remember you? What would you like to change about how they would remember you? Who do you know who could serve as a mentor in your life? Take the initiative to ask this man if he’d be willing to serve as a mentor in your life.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5