Peace

Today’s Focus: A Godly legacy creates the conditions for the next generation to experience peace and stability as they move towards the future.

One of the most bizarre and tense moments I’ve ever experienced as a musician was at a funeral.

For years, I played at a church where two of the musicians were constantly bickering and fighting over music and other petty things. The conflicts worsened when one of them began to struggle with keeping the beat during rehearsals and services. The other musician increased his withering criticism week after week.

After a few months, the sad reality was revealed. The struggling musician had a brain tumor that was affecting his motor skills. His health quickly declined, and he passed away a few months later.

Fast forward to the late musician’s funeral. His long-time rival was in the band playing for the choir. At the end of the service, the late musician’s brothers stepped out into the aisle and confronted the man who had made their brother’s life so miserable. Meanwhile, I tried to ignore the confrontation while playing the benediction.

Clearly, peace was nowhere to be found at that musician’s memorial service.

While this situation isn’t common, it is indicative of how many creators end up leaving legacies that are full of tension and conflict such as:

• Broken relationships
• Disputes over intellectual property and finance
• Unresolved family conflict

Jesus modeled a different kind of legacy.

In John 14:27 (NIV), He made this promise: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When Jesus stepped away from his earthly ministry, his parting gift was peace among those who would follow and continue His work on earth.

This does not mean that there were no conflicts or concerns for those disciples. In fact, their world became more dangerous and threatening.

But they had an inner peace and assurance that the world could not shake because their master had firmly established their purpose and had given them confidence in their identity as His servants.

As creators, our biggest priority isn’t building popularity or fame. It’s building a firm foundation that future generations will benefit from.

Consider how changing your focus could radically alter the future for those who will follow you.

What if you prioritized resolving relational and family disagreements and refused to allow your past hurts to define your future happiness?

What if you got serious about making plans with finances and investments so you can build wealth in your family for generations?

What if you spent time pouring into fellow creators and colleagues and helped set them up for future success?

These are the actions that sow a legacy of peace.

In order to leave a legacy of peace, you must live a life that promotes it. Today, create the landmarks that will guide those who follow you to the Prince of Peace.

Next, we’ll discuss how the relationships you are building now will have a huge impact on the legacy you leave for future generations.

Application for Today:

Look over your relationships, business arrangements, and close associations. Have you done all you can to eliminate relational and organizational friction? Strive today to live by the mandate of Romans 12:18 (NIV) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”