Editor's Note: This is the seventh of a reflective series entitled "A Reckless Love."
From time to time, I begin to contemplate what I have done within this realm that I may be remembered when my existence in this place ceases. Personal, professional, academic, or relational aspirations lead me to create that of which I want to be known.
Assuredly, I want to be known by what I was able to do for Christ that changed a life, inspired belief, or challenged disillusioned thinking. It's a trap of accomplishment and task oriented adoration and self-worth. Ultimately, this philosophy creates meaning and purpose through what I do for the Lord; finding significance through and in myself.
What is worse is that I know that this is inherently contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed it is by grace through faith and not the result of works for surely such a salvation would lead to boasting. And yet, these very tasks can be inherently good - altogether beneficial for the teaching, edification, and exhortation of the Body.
It is quite unfortunate that our task-oriented and personal accomplishment driven society publishes and demands accolades for good deeds - and the Church is no exception. However, this misfortune has clearly resulted in the realization that this inadequacy exists. For this I am grateful.
I could be known by what I do for the Lord, those I love, or society as a whole. Or I could be known by the Lord how I live with Him. The latter must become a reality.
For much of the past three months, I have cherished the thoughts of what Josh was able to accomplish during his far too short ministering life. It is with joy, however, that I abandon all of these thoughts for the knowledge and reality that Josh Larkin was and is known by and lives with the Lord, which far surpasses all that he was able to do for the Kingdom. This is remarkable considering all that he was and has been able to do.
There is no legacy adequate enough; there is only the remembrance to be known by and to live with the Lord . A legacy of nothing but Christ, of Him crucified and resurrected, is demanded for His sake and glory.
Legacy has been a reoccurring thought in my mind for two years since the death of my dear friend Janet and the more recent death of Josh. Skye Jethani's "With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God" helped me to finally actualize my thoughts of this eternal concept.
