Matthew 19:27-29
Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?' Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.'
When I think of the legacy question, there are three specific questions that come to my mind:
1. What will I be known for in this life and the next?
2. What am I leaving behind?
3. What am I looking forward to?
Considering these questions can be helpful to us as we consider short and long-term decisions about our time, talent and treasure.
For example, when we don't have anything planned at a particular moment, maybe we should ask, "Who could use a blessing?" Thinking about others and their needs takes the focus off of us and it sets up an opportunity to be blessed by others as we use our gifts (maybe time and talent).
So, are you (we) known for extending Christian love to others? Do we have the reputation of being more concerned about the relationships and giving blessings than of accumulating wealth?
Being "heaven minded" causes us to think about God's desires and His Kingdom before we think of our own comfort.
Eternal life is that future state of glory that Jesus came to secure for all who would believe. We should look forward to it and be less concerned about maximizing our own glory here on this earth. That's the longer-term view that puts on the "stewardship trajectory", or a path managing all that God has given us for His glory.
Keep the future state in mind provides a template for making the right decisions today.
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