An Everlasting Legacy
In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus … I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ … the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:13–16
As we age, we often think more about what we will leave behind when we enter eternity. Some focus on wealth planning or writing a memoir. Others establish a company or foundation that will continue the work they’ve begun. The apostle Paul, however, was focused on one thing: passing on the authoritative teaching on the gospel of Jesus Christ and building the kingdom of God. His letter to young pastor Timothy is centered on this goal.
Paul recognized that his time on earth was ending, that others would be entrusted with the mission to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). He tells Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (v. 13) because the Lord Jesus Christ is returning (v. 14) and because the immortal God of the Universe sits on his throne (v. 16).
To help Timothy know how to “take hold” of the eternal rather than the temporal, Paul outlines mindsets and behaviors that align with an eternal focus. Don’t get caught up in that which leads to “envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction” (vv. 3–5). Instead “do good, … be rich in good deeds, and … be generous and willing to share” (v. 18). Don’t be obsessed with the pursuit of riches (vv. 6–7). Instead “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (v. 11).
This is the life of godliness Jesus modeled for us when he was on earth. This is the pattern he set for the apostles—the practical living out of his commands to love God wholeheartedly and love one another sacrificially. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19–20). This is the lifestyle that builds an everlasting legacy that pleases our King Eternal, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Christmas season, we honor King Jesus’s birth with carols, church services, and charitable giving. We may send cards that proclaim the true meaning of Christmas or place a nativity scene on our front lawn. There’s nothing wrong with any of that.
But as we enter a new year, let’s resolve to honor Jesus, the King Eternal, with a life that reflects eternal values and goals, one that builds an everlasting legacy of devotion to the King of kings and Lord of Lords. One day we will stand in his throne room, where he sits in “unapproachable light.” Will he say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when we bow before him?
What legacy are you building?
Dig Deeper
Read all of 1 Timothy, chapter 6. What else does Paul encourage Timothy to do? How well are you following that counsel?
Revelation 4:1–11 gives us a glimpse of God’s throne room. What takes place there 24/7?
Review the beatitudes of Matthew 5:1–12. How are the principles Jesus gives there similar to the counsel Paul gives in 1 Timothy 6? Talk to God about how you might build a legacy that reflects these kingdom attributes and values.
Denise K. Loock
This is the final devotion in our Jesus Is King series.