Inside Out Living

Solomon was a prolific writer. 1 Kings 4:32 tells us that he wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. What a legacy, right? Well, yes, that is until much of that was lost.

What we have remaining of Solomon’s writings is that which was inspired by God and was incorporated into the word of God. So ultimately Solomon’s legacy was dependent upon the eternal Word of God.

I think that this is instructive to us as we consider the legacy we will leave behind. Much of what we will accomplish or produce will either end up lost or forgotten. I am not trying to depress you; I just want to give you a reality check. As with Solomon, only that which we do that involves eternal things will truly last. Awards, accolades, stuff, money, these things will all pass away. It is what we do in and for people that will truly build our legacy.

Will the legacy of your life be sold in a garage sale, or lost in a fire some day? How sad that would be if it were true?

Follow the example of Jesus and pour your time and energy into the people around you. If you do, you will not be disappointed and the impact of your life will not be forgotten.

Today I read one of my favorite parts of the Bible. As part of our read through the bible devotionals that we have in our church, I read the last four chapters of Revelation today. I love these chapters because it is the completion of all of the promises of God throughout Scripture. God gave the Apostle John this wonderful glimpse into future events thus we get to know a good portion of what we have to look forward to.

It is so encouraging to know that Satan will be bound and defeated. That sin and suffering will finally be done away with. And that we will enjoy dwelling in the presence of God for eternity as he always had intended from the beginning.

When the drama finally unfolds I know that I will be on the winning team. What a glorious celebration that will be. It reminds me of watching Chicago Cubs games when they would actually win, and the late broadcaster Harry Carey would exclaim, Cubs Win, Cubs Win. Of course for the loveable losers in Wrigley it would come as a surprise, but for those of us on God's team it will come as no surprise. In his perfect timing, God will defeat Satan and those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus will prevail.

All this reminds me of a little chorus we used to sing at church when I was a growing up, I think it goes like this, "Break forth into joy oh my soul, break forth into joy oh my soul. In the presence of the Lord there is joy forevermore. Break forth, break forth into joy oh my soul."