Today’s message was brought by Pastor Royce Dodd (interim pastor for FBC)
Leaving a Christian Legacy
Today in chapel, Pastor Royce challenged grandparents and older generations to consider an important question:
"What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?"
Every person leaves a legacy. While many people think of a legacy in terms of achievements, possessions, or success, Pastor Royce reminded us that the greatest legacy is a life that points others to Jesus Christ.
He encouraged grandparents, parents, and older believers not to underestimate the influence they have on the next generation. Children and grandchildren are often shaped by the example, wisdom, prayers, and faithfulness of those who have gone before them.
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Whether through conversations around the dinner table, time spent together, faithful church attendance, or sharing God's Word, older generations have a unique opportunity to invest in the spiritual lives of those who follow them.
The Rich Young Ruler
Pastor Royce then turned to Mark 10:17-22, where a rich young ruler asked Jesus: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Although the man appeared successful and religious, Jesus revealed that his possessions had become more important to him than fully following God.
The issue was not his wealth itself, but the position it held in his heart.
This passage serves as a reminder that every generation must answer an important question:
What is most important in my life?
For grandparents, parents, students, and children alike, anything that takes God's place in our hearts can become an obstacle to following Him fully.
A Legacy Built on Christ
Pastor Royce emphasized that the most important legacy we can leave is introducing others to Jesus.
Acts 4:12 reminds us: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Money, success, accomplishments, and possessions cannot save us or satisfy our deepest needs. True hope, forgiveness, and eternal life are found only through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
A Christian legacy is not simply passing down values or traditions. It is passing down a faith that is centered on Christ.
Are You a New Creation in Christ?
Pastor Royce challenged everyone with a personal question:
"Are you a new creation in Christ?"
2 Corinthians 5:17 says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Before we can leave a godly legacy, we must first have a personal relationship with Jesus ourselves. Christianity is not about following rules or maintaining an outward appearance. It is about knowing Christ personally and allowing Him to transform our hearts.
The most powerful influence older generations can have on younger ones is a genuine, growing faith that is lived out every day.
Tomorrow Is Never Promised
Pastor Royce also reminded everyone that salvation is not something we should delay.
James 4:14 tells us: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
Because life is uncertain, every person must decide how they will respond to Christ.
For older generations, this reminder carries an additional challenge: not only should we make sure our own faith is in Christ, but we should also take every opportunity to share that faith with our children, grandchildren, and others God has placed in our lives.
The Greatest Legacy
As he concluded, Pastor Royce reminded us that the legacy people remember most is not what we owned, earned, or accomplished.
The legacy that lasts for eternity is a life devoted to Christ.
Grandparents, parents, teachers, and older believers have a tremendous opportunity to influence future generations. Through their prayers, example, encouragement, and faithfulness, they can help point others toward a relationship with Jesus.
And the greatest gift that can be left behind is not an inheritance of wealth, but an inheritance of faith.
Chapel Challenge
This week, take time to reflect on these questions:
May we strive to leave a legacy that will impact generations to come and point others to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Dinner and Discipleship (Family Chapel Chat Around the Dinner Table)