Living A Legacy
by Randy Robison
Today is my father's birthday. James Robison is 62 years old. And while his life's work is far from over, when I look back on the impact he has had over the past six decades, it is truly astounding.
All of my life, I have run into people who have been impacted by his ministry. Strangers in restaurants, pastors across the country, and missionaries around the world have told me, "I was saved at one of your daddy's meetings." During the years that my father traveled back and forth across America preaching in churches, coliseums, and football stadiums, hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people were touched by his powerful presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Individual lives, families, churches, denominations and entire cities were transformed by the power of God because one man stood up and spoke the truth. Those days are gone, but the eternal effects of those days will never go away.
My children now hear it from their friends, teachers, coaches and others, "I watch your papaw on television." Millions of people in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia can watch Life Today and witness the love of God in action. Even people in the Third World, with no television, know the name “James Robison” because he or someone from his ministry visited their village and brought food, water, medicine and other life-changing aid.
The impact of his life is an amazing legacy that will continue to bear fruit in ways and years that we can never measure. He has spent his life preaching the Gospel, demonstrating the gospel, and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The word "legacy" is an interesting one. It means "something transmitted by a predecessor." It is the gift that one person gives to the world.
Every candle on my father's birthday cake represents another year of giving life and love to an astounding number of people. And while his life's calling is unique, it should make all of us ask, "What will my legacy be? What will I transmit to my children and grandchildren? What gift will I give to this world?"
We will leave this world what we give it every day. If we only serve our own interests, we will leave a legacy of selfishness. If we are insensitive to the needs of others, we will leave a legacy of pain. But if we overflow with love, peace, kindness, patience, joy and everything that is Godly, we will leave a legacy worth remembering.
My father's life is far from over and there is much more for him to give to this world. But it's also time for me -- and for you -- to examine our own lives and ask, "What are we leaving behind?" Our legacy is determined by what we do today. So help me celebrate my father's birthday by honoring his life and then living your own life of honor. Then maybe someday, your children and grandchildren will be inspired by your legacy.
This Week
Live your legacy! Consider how you want people to remember you and live that way every day.
Prayer
"Lord, give of Yourself through me so that the world will know Your love through my life. Help me be a legacy for You."
