Pastor Tim’s Blog

LEAVE A LEGACY…

As many of you know, Valley Shepherd has partnered with the Church of the Nazarene Foundation in what is called “Legacy Ministry.” Through Legacy, we’re being challenged to consider leaving a legacy of ministry that will outlast our lives. (By the way, Cindy and I have appreciated the wise input of Bob Crew, the Financial Consultant with whom Valley Shepherd is working. He has great credentials in the financial world, plus a heart for the Lord—which helps him understand our priorities. If you didn’t come to the workshop or take advantage of the opportunity to meet with him personally, I’d sure encourage you to do so the next time we have him here—perhaps next fall.)

Legacy Ministry is prompting a lot of thought regarding the legacy of faith I’ll leave my children (and grandchildren!) when this life is over. What will they have learned about Christ through my life? What will they have learned about Christ’s faithfulness? What will they have learned about the need for us to stay close to Him? What difference will they have seen that Christ has made in my life? What will they say at my funeral? What will they say to their children and their grandchildren about me?

One thing I’m convinced of is that the example of our lives makes a difference. I know our kids—even as young adults—are watching my life. When I walked through the most challenging season of my life, one thing that kept me leaning hard on the Lord was the knowledge that my kids were watching. I so much wanted them to see the faithfulness of God when my personal resources were depleted. And God was faithful!

So…what do others see in your life right now? What legacy are you leaving others? What do you want them to see?