Stewardship of Time

This past Wednesday elder Clara Baptiste led the prayer meeting with reflection on Stewardship.  Away from common focus on money she challenged us to think of stewardship of time, along with relationships, creation, gifts and talents, health, and other aspects.

The question that was on the minds of many is the legacy we leave.  Especially older generation, who feel they are on the final leg of their journey.  The legacy differs from memories.  In the words of John C. Maxwell, we all leave behind three kinds of things:

(1)    Souvenirs, memories of events, milestones and activities they were engaged. Kids do remember good times with parents and grandparents, bike-rides, outings, nature trips, vacations.  We cherish these memories through pictures in old albums…these are records of existence, souvenirs.

(2)    Trophies, records of achievements, status that gives next generation some recognition, prestige. 

(3)    Legacy is more significant, as it does not just mark what happened in the past, but lives on, and continues to make an impact long after the person is gone.  Legacy works for the next generation.  A dictionary synonym for legacy is “inheritance.”

The Legacy, just as souvenirs, and trophies, are not created by an accident.  It takes intention, time, effort, investment, to leave behind something of value. Everyone leaves footsteps behind, for some it may be graffiti, garbage pile, debt, problems, disaster, ruin. Others create blessings!  What are you doing today for the legacy of tomorrow?

Legacy is a dream that changes not only your life but also the lives of all the people it touches.  What is your dream?  Have you imagined what your footprint will look like?

In leadership culture the highest legacy is defined as succession.  Success means successors.  Family legacy is when the name, honor, good reputation, wealth, influence is carried on through children and grandchildren.  For the church legacy is also expressed in growth and increased impact from generation to generation.  We enjoy when people leave bequeath for the church resulting in improvements.

Ephesians 5:15-16 cautions believers “see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (NKJV).  NIV puts it “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  A closer look at Greek original suggests the idea of exaggerating the good time, amplifying special moments, increasing useful time, so we would not feel guilty, bad, about our days.

I implore you to consider prayerfully your use of time, and legacy.