One of their religious scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: “Teacher, which command in God’s Law is the most important?” Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.” This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it; “Love others as well as you love yourself.” These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them. Matthew 22: 34b-36 (The Message)
Recently, I watched a DVD and heard a new song by Sidewalk Prophets, Live Like That. As I listened, I started thinking about LIFE, LOVE and LEGACY. I asked myself, “How am I doing?
The video displayed faces of people from all ages, races and walks of life. The faces of people without names captured my heart. The question was repeatedly asked, “How do we live?” Do I live like Jesus told me to live? Do I love others as He commanded me? He did! So should I.
From the time of my earliest memory my heart desire was to live a LIFE for Christ. I knew I couldn’t do this on my own. I needed Him and His Word to instruct me and guide me. While life has taken many turns, twists and sometimes tumbles, through it all, I want to Live Like That. I so want to live a life that loves others unconditionally, that withholds judgment (which is difficult at times, especially when the old nature wants to rise to the surface), that shows mercy, kindness and forgiveness.
Sometimes I feel it takes a life time to learn how to LOVE well. To that I stop short and say, “It shouldn’t.” In each encounter I have, I pray it is always dotted with love from my heart to others which overflows with Jesus’ love. I can’t do it on my own.
When I think of LEGACY many things move within my heart. There are some who think leaving a legacy means leaving a sum of money or material possessions to their children or an organization. That thought crosses my heart and mind too. However, beyond the shadow of any doubt, I want my legacy for my daughter and son-in-love to be: I loved them with every fiber of my being. I want to leave a heart-legacy. I want them and others to never wonder or question that I loved God, my family, parents and friends with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. And, I want it resolved that serving Jesus with their dad was the greatest heart-filled joy of my life.
It’s quite possible that I think about leaving a legacy during this “season of life” more than I did years ago. But legacies do not need to begin in later seasons. They begin where I am right now. I want this season and all the seasons that remain, to be marked by love and praise to the Author of Love … Jesus. I want to live like that!
The song continues…
“What will people say of me when I’m only just a memory?
When I’m home where my soul belongs.
Was my worship more than just a song?
Was I love when no one else would show up?
Was I Jesus to the least of them?”
Francis Schaffer wrote a book titled “How Should We Then Live?”. What a great question. I think the vocalist of the Sidewalk Prophets answered it well, “… live & love…like Jesus!”
Abba Father, when I think of how you would have me live I’m overcome with all sorts of emotions. Sometimes I get it right, but sometimes I miserably fail. Thank you that you love me unconditionally with all that You are. I want to love like you.
All because of love,
Donna Fagerstrom
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