A Legacy Worth Leaving

One thing leaders are often concerned about is their legacy. As we near the end of President Bush’s second term there is a great deal in the media regarding his legacy. Some say it will be the war on terror, others say Africa or the Middle East. The truth is it's too early to tell. What kind of legacy are you leaving?

At the end of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he says in chapter 16:15 ‘you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints’. The King James says they were ‘addicted’ to the ministry. I like that!

Everyone is eventually drawn to and infatuated with a master passion in their lives. Some passions are more socially acceptable than others. Some people are addicted to work and their careers. Others give themselves to things like alcohol or pornography. For the family of Stephanas the passion was ministry.

The gospel took in that family. They were all involved in serving. What a great model for us to follow. Stephanas’ family must have seen his commitment to serving the body. I’m sure they saw him open up his house and his heart. I bet they were included in home meetings and the congregational setting. His family was not left behind spiritually. As a result, the whole family got hooked on ministry.

I grew up in a home where there was never a debate or a question about where we would be on Sunday morning and evening or Wednesday night. It was never an issue. There were no other options. We knew we would be in church.

Some will say that is legalistic or old fashioned but I tell you I am thankful that my parents made it a non-negotiable because now I’m hooked, I got addicted. Paul points out this household as one that was addicted to ministry. These guys got.

If you want to pass on a wonderful legacy to your family make ministry to the saints a priority in your life. Establish worshiping the Lord and learning about the Lord as a precedence in your home.

You, your spouse, and your kids will all be addicted to something. Oh, that it might be 'ministry to the saints'.The addiction that keeps on adding and never subtracts. What a wonderful legacy to leave for your family.