2 Peter Chapter 1 verse 15 (NIV)
And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
In this chapter, Peter talks about preparing his readers to continue in their Christian walk after he is called home. He tells them that it has been revealed to him that it will be soon. So we see in this chapter, and in this verse in particular, that he wants to make sure that lives will remember what they have been taught – he wants to leave a legacy that will continue after he has gone.
We may have received a legacy from relatives who are no longer with us. It may be personal items that were special to them, that are now special to us, it may be memories of time spent together, or it may be lessons that we have learned from them.
We may have been encouraged by someone who made an effort to pass on their wisdom and knowledge to us. I know I have been blessed in this way by more than one person who did just that.
That got me thinking about the legacy I want to leave. As my church considers how to encourage and mentor new and young Christians to grow in their faith, I am reminded that we learn by example and when we do that it sticks with us much more effectively than just being told something. Peter made sure to pass on all he had heard, seen and learned, and we must do the same. Leaving such a legacy that others want to know and follow the God that we do, is the best legacy of all we can leave. Far more important than material things.
Dear Lord,
I will always be grateful for all the wealth of teaching and wisdom that has brought me thus far. Help me to take time and effort to do the same for others in return, that they too may find, follow and serve You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.