On a trip to Mexico a musician who played double-bass said the finest instruments are made of wood which has been allowed to age naturally to remove the moisture. He said, “You must age the wood for 80 years, then play the instrument for 80 years before it reaches its best sound.” “A craftsman of instruments must use wood cut and aged by someone else, and he will never see any instrument reach its peak during his own lifetime.”
As we mature we will discover many important things in life are “next generation” matters-teaching, training, and parenting are among them. The apostle Paul invested himself in people whose spiritual influence would continue long after he was gone. To Timothy he wrote: “The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Paul, Timothy, “faithful men,” and “others” represent four spiritual generations built on the enduring foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Are we living only for today and the short term, or are we giving ourselves to others who will continue the faith after our race is run? Living for Christ and making disciples are all about the next generation. Ask yourself and those you love, “What legacy of love, mercy and grace are you leaving”?
See you next Sunday,
MJ
PS Because God cares for us, we can leave our cares with Him.