We all want validation. We all want to know we matter. We all want to know that what we do is important or at least makes a difference. We have no doubt some people make a difference. Consider history: electricity. The phone. The light bulb. The car. You name it. How shocked Henry Ford would be today to see cars in more colors that basic black. But his name goes down in history-not for his comment about the color of cars, but for his invention. The story is told of Alfred Nobel having a life “awakening.” A newspaper erroneously published that he had died (not his brother) and it applauded him for his invention of dynamite and other explosives. It shocked him so much he established the Nobel Peace Prize. He wanted to be known more for peace than blowing things up and taking lives.
Tragically, there are many who never consider their legacy. We are so hungry getting validation from the people around us that we stop getting it from God. We live for the pat on the back, the “atta boy,” that we find ourselves doing what is popular instead of what is right. We seek the here-and-now instead of the eternal. We settle for what feels good in the moment rather than what is going to matter in eternity.
Jesus said it this way: “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit…A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Luke 6:43-44a, 45 NLT)
What we do flows out of what is in our heart. What will you be known for?
As I think back over my life, the things that have meant the most to me, the things I remember are the tiny kindnesses, the gentle encouragements that people have done and said. Those are the things I remember most about people and those are the kinds of things I want to be remembered for.
Good point Pam! Being remembered for the “small” things is much more meaningful than that one big thing. Thanks for the perspective.
We can have all the fame and fortune in the world, but if we haven’t touched the hearts of others for God, our lives are meaningless. I hope I will be remembered for doing the latter.
Blessings, Bill!
Absolutely correct Martha! I like the way Paul put it: “may I never boast except in the cross of Christ.”
I hope my love for the Lord, has made an impact on those around me. I hope they see the changes in my life as I have grown with the Lord and trusted Him in my life. I still have many in my family,friends, people I know that still need to be saved. I still have work to do.
I like that you care about the lost in your family and friends Gail. Keep praying and asking the Holy Spirit to convict them. Maybe you will be the catalyst for them to come to Jesus.