Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyনমুনা

Legacy of love: renewed legacy.

Having been gloriously restored, Peter makes another mistake that is common among followers of Jesus – he looks over his shoulder. In doing so, he becomes insecure and distracted. Jesus’ response is direct: ‘...what is that to you? You must follow me’ (John 21:22 NIV). It’s a call that echoes through time – we must not be preoccupied with others, but take responsibility for our own discipleship and stay focused on following Jesus.

Losing focus and neglecting the legacy of love we’re called to leave was something an early Salvation Army leader, Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, warned of nearly a century ago. When asked about the Army’s future, he acknowledged that its organisation was strong and unlikely to perish, but he issued a stark warning:

‘Love is the life of The Army. … But if love leaks out, we shall lose our crown, we shall have a name to live and yet be dead. We may still house the homeless, dole out food to the hungry, and punctiliously perform our routine work, but the mighty ministry of the Spirit will no longer be our glory. Our musicians will play meticulously, our Songsters will revel in the artistry of song that tickles the ear, but leaves the heart cold and hard. Our Officers will make broad their phylacteries and hob-nob with mayors and councilmen and be greeted in the market-place, but God will not be among us. … If the future of The Salvation Army is to still be glorious, we must heed the exhortation: “Let brotherly love continue.”’

The greatest legacy we, as individuals and as The Salvation Army, can leave the world is one of love. The fuel that drives us forward is love – as Paul writes, ‘Christ’s love compels us’ (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV). We must keep that as our focus and refuse to be distracted by comparison or routine. May our lives and legacy be defined by Spirit-filled, Christ-centred love.

How can I ensure that love does not ‘leak out’ of my life and my work for God?