Two Sides of a Legacy

If you’ve been following along with the past few articles (and if not, you’re welcome to review them, or just read the book of 2 Timothy – the key source of what was studied in those articles), I’d like to go back to a passage from 2 Timothy that this mini-series started out with.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ti.2.1-2.NIV

Looking back, I would like for us to consider our findings from two perspectives.

First, I’d like us to consider Paul’s example as we consider our own legacy. This isn’t just leaving a big inheritance to get our name on a building, or leaving a memorial scholarship (although there are times and places for those, too). A legacy doesn’t need to wait until we leave this earth. In fact, it’s never too soon to consider what we will leave behind. And, for some who get to see the results of their investments in others, the joy of seeing some of one’s legacy while we still walk this earth is one of the great blessings of living for Jesus.

Secondly, I’d also like for us to read the Bible (especially the letters to Timothy) as if we were Timothy himself. No, we’re not in a Mediterranean church in the first-century (although living there today would probably be appealing to many people!), but we can learn from others who have walked in the same faith. By learning from what they have experienced, for the benefit of our own lives, we receive a legacy from others, and become part of their legacy. Sometimes, we can avoid mistakes that they made; other times, we learn what worked for them, and apply elements of those experiences – as God leads us – to our own journey.

So, whether we are Paul or Timothy (or – more likely – a little of both), let us review some elements of Paul’s legacy (found within his letters in the Bible) and not let it go to waste.

Let’s make sure that our legacy includes the truth about Jesus, in faith and love. Yes, you might get a building named after you if you leave enough money, but even buildings that support the kingdom of God won’t last into eternity like souls will, so use opportunities that God provides to share the truth of the gospel with people.
Let’s make sure that we pass this legacy to the next generation(s), and remind them that it is their role to keep the legacy going. Each generation needs to know Jesus.
Let’s make sure that our legacy isn’t just made up of words but also a lifelong example of what happens when someone follows Jesus, so that when others mirror our behavior, they are becoming more like Jesus.
Let’s make sure that our legacy includes remaining faithful and honoring God through the tough times and the suffering. That might include confessing when we sinned and got ourselves in trouble or hurt others. It might mean giving God the glory when we’re going through a metaphorical valley, and testifying that we know that He is still with us in the tough times.
Let’s make sure that the legacy that we choose to carry forward from others is built upon the truth, by using Scripture to evaluate both the words and actions of those who we allow to teach us, since the reliability of God’s word as a firm foundation has been proven time after time.
Let’s make sure that the legacy we pass on is invested in those who don’t just take our word for it, but also have a strong foundation to verify the truth that we pass along to them. We don’t want to tell people to “just trust us” and then have them gullibly believe a false teacher’s ideas tomorrow. Let’s help those to whom we entrust the truth about Jesus learn how to get into Scripture themselves, build wisdom, and grow with Jesus (rather than just repeating what they’ve heard us say about Him).

I’m certain that each of us have picked up legacies from those who have gone before us, and that each of us will pass a legacy on to others. Don’t think that you can hide from those who see you and make decisions based on what they see in you (whether they make the same choices as you, or the opposite, depending on the results). They might not become preachers with Paul’s or Timothy’s level of influence, but they are souls who are important to God.

So, let’s learn from Paul here and make sure that we’ve caught and held onto the right incoming legacies, and then let’s make sure that we’re effectively passing them on.

From Sunday School lesson prepared for April 6, 2025

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