What Will You Leave Behind?
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col. 3:1-2 NIV)
My husband and I recently bought a new-to-us home! We hadn’t been looking long, and it was the first house we went to look at in person. We loved it; the only downside was that the owner had passed away, and we would have to wait a bit for the house to go through probate court.
We were fine with waiting, and whenever we were in the area, we would often drive by excited for when it would be ours. We learned the elderly owner never had any children, so another relative was handling the estate. After the probate process was finalized, we were made aware that they would have an estate sale.
A few days after the estate sale, we were driving by the home, and we noticed two huge dumpster-style trucks in the driveway. They were from a junk removal company. I don’t know why it hit me so hard, but as we drove by and I saw items being carried out of the house and thrown into the back of the trucks, I was overcome with sadness. I don’t know the people who previously lived in the home, but it was sad to see their items recklessly discarded. We don’t know what kind of lives they lived or what kind of legacy they will leave behind, but the items in their home were now reduced to junk.
The Bible is clear on what it says about storing earthly possessions. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21 NIV)
As I said, I do not know the people who lived in our home before us. I’m not judging them, but rather this whole situation has me reflecting on what I will leave behind. If, at the end of my life, items in my home are reduced to junk, what kind of value am I giving those items today.
On the flip side, earlier this year, I attended a Celebration of Life service for a dear friend’s mom who had lost her battle with cancer. I had only met and seen my friend’s mom on a few occasions. However, after I left the celebration service and was in my car, I immediately opened a new note on my phone and wrote down things I remembered from the service. Even after I was home and saw they had posted the service online, I told my husband he had to watch it.
The stories of how this woman lived her life were inspiring and challenged me in how I was living mine. As he recalled this woman’s life, the pastor’s words were what I hope will one day be said about how I lived. She lived her life with her heart set on Christ!
My friend’s mom left behind many lives that were changed for the better. Lives that were impacted by her sacrificial living. Her life impacted my life even after her passing. They passed out bookmarks at the service, and I use them as a reminder in my daily planner.
Two different people. Two different ways their death impacted me. Both are helping me see the life I want to live today more clearly, as well as what I want to leave behind.
The Bible is full of wisdom on how we are to live our lives: Love others, bear fruit, don’t steal, and so on. How we live our lives today is how we will be remembered tomorrow. How do you want to be remembered? What do you want to leave behind?
Do you want to leave behind a house full of junk or lives impacted for the kingdom?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the gift of life. Thank you for the Bible and its instruction on how we are to live our lives here on earth. Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed on you and not on earthly things that do not hold any eternal value. Please help us to live a life that points all whom we meet to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15 NIV)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Tim. 6:6-8 NIV)
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” (Prov. 13:22 NIV)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deut 6:5-7)
Reach for More
What can you do today that will have a kingdom impact for days to come? Think about what you will leave behind to your kids or others in your sphere of influence. Does it look like you want? If not, and you are reading this — it’s not too late to fix.
is living the full life with her husband, Jeff, four kids, and a dog in Metro Detroit. Heather enjoys reading, writing, coffee-ing, and serving in youth ministry. She was born a Jersey girl and feels most at home on a beach. She is the host of the monthly link-up, Share Four Somethings. You can join Heather on the journey to living the full life at www.heathergerwing.com.
Photograph © Marjhon Obsioma, used with permission
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