Legacy
Alan Dusel / Audio Ministry Coordinator
 |
| Photo by Tadas Mikuckis on Unsplash |
I recently had the opportunity to attend a celebration of life for a fellow musician/friend and brother in Christ that I had known for many years and who had recently passed into eternity after a rather lengthy illness. He was involved in music in some way his whole life, and loved worship leading and worshiping with others. This man was an excellent keyboardist/pianist, and many folks gave testimony to his musical ability and gifting at the piano that day during his memorial service.
Although many spoke of his musical talents throughout the service, the most impactful moment for me came when his 23-year-old son shared some thoughts and reflections regarding his dad near the end of the service. Fighting back the tears, his son talked about how his father always encouraged him starting at a very young age to do everything to the best of his ability. He is a drummer, and a very good one, and he played drums during the worship portion of his father’s memorial service, along with his sister at the keyboard. His son spoke about his father’s work ethic, and that in everything he did, he gave his all unto The Lord! His father demanded excellence from him, and made him practice until he got it right, and was always so proud of him and his accomplishments.
He shared a few scriptures during his time of reflection and honoring his father:
Although many spoke of his musical talents throughout the service, the most impactful moment for me came when his 23-year-old son shared some thoughts and reflections regarding his dad near the end of the service. Fighting back the tears, his son talked about how his father always encouraged him starting at a very young age to do everything to the best of his ability. He is a drummer, and a very good one, and he played drums during the worship portion of his father’s memorial service, along with his sister at the keyboard. His son spoke about his father’s work ethic, and that in everything he did, he gave his all unto The Lord! His father demanded excellence from him, and made him practice until he got it right, and was always so proud of him and his accomplishments.
He shared a few scriptures during his time of reflection and honoring his father:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.” Ephesians 6:7-8
...and finally, he shared this scripture verse in 1 Peter:
His words were a tremendous tribute to his father! Then, after a rather long pause where he was obviously needing to collect his thoughts and emotions, he said something like this:
Legacy. That word makes you stop and think, long and hard. When your life is over, and all is said and done, what do you want to be remembered for? Were you able to make an impact on others for Christ? Did you give your all in everything you did for the Lord? Remember what my friend’s son said, “no one’s perfect, except God.” Give your best in all you do unto The Lord, your Father in Heaven; that’s all He asks, and He will be so proud of you!
What will be your legacy?
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
His words were a tremendous tribute to his father! Then, after a rather long pause where he was obviously needing to collect his thoughts and emotions, he said something like this:
“I would like to thank my father for instilling in me the desire to pursue excellence in everything I do. I am not perfect, no one is perfect, except God. But when I do something, I do my best; I give it my all, giving everything I have, and that’s all my father asked. Whether I succeeded or failed, he was always so proud of me. I am a living legacy to my father.”
Legacy. That word makes you stop and think, long and hard. When your life is over, and all is said and done, what do you want to be remembered for? Were you able to make an impact on others for Christ? Did you give your all in everything you did for the Lord? Remember what my friend’s son said, “no one’s perfect, except God.” Give your best in all you do unto The Lord, your Father in Heaven; that’s all He asks, and He will be so proud of you!
What will be your legacy?