(The following is the May 5 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read John 21 and pay close attention to verses 24-25.)
Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three years. We don’t know how many people he encountered, all the miracles he performed, acts of kindness, teaching moments with his followers, or run-ins with the self-righteous religious who opposed him. We have a written history of events the Holy Spirit inspired the Gospel writers to record, but Jesus did far more. “And there were also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written” (v. 25). Hyperbole? Perhaps, but we must trust that God, in his wisdom, led the biblical writers to include what God wanted in his Word – no more and no less. It is enough for Scripture to reveal God to humankind and show us how to restore our broken relationship with him.
Our lives are not as impactful as Christ’s, of course. He is God, and we are not. We have a lifetime of experiences that those who survive us will never fully know. People who spend time with us will have memories and stories to tell when we die based on our relationship and experiences with them. This is evident if we reflect on our ancestors and what we know about our parents versus grandparents, great-grandparents, and earlier ancestors. The greater our distance from previous generations, the less we know about them.
In light of this limited legacy we will leave, what do you want future generations to know about your life and faith? Not many words fit on a tombstone, so what will they be? What is most vital for you to say to those who come behind?
Next Step:
Consider writing about experiences, special memories, and words of wisdom and faith for your children or loved ones to have after you die. Such gifts may be the best glimpse into your life and faith future generations have. Your loved ones will undoubtedly treasure them.
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