Friday, January 4, 2013

Leaving a Legacy . . .

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.(1 Peter 2:11-12)
I realize that not everyone is a football fan. Many of you who are may not enjoy watching the Baltimore Ravens play. Yet today, as I ponder God's Word I am also pondering the impact Ray Lewis has had upon the football world, Baltimore, and yes,even my life! You see, Mr. Lewis has had his ups and downs, like most of us. False accusations, ijuries, and broken relationships have no doubt caused him to doubt and find himself asking God "Why?" Yet all the Pro Bowls, MVP Awards, and the Super Bowl win must have caused him to burst out in praise! One thing I have witnessed from Ray Lewis is that his faith in God has never waivered. He has never been ashamed to express his faith in public. He is not phony and does not try to be one man in public and another man in private. He is real! As Peter writes to us, we must live in such a way among the pagans that we are sure to honor the Lord, despite what people may say. It is our relationship with God that matters most! Ray Lewis stresses the fact that we are leaving a legacy for those coming behind us. Good or bad, we are leaving our imprint. However, it is not someone else's legacy, it must be my legacy and your legacy for those with whom we have influence.
What are we leaving behind?

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