“You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! … Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. … May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.” — Psalm 128:2-4, 6 (NLT)
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As I was wrapping up my chapel message before a Houston Rockets game one night, I asked the dozen or so NBA players and coaches in attendance this question: “Who is the most influential person in your life?”
Several players and coaches responded with various answers, but one response stood out in particular. With tears in his eyes, one player answered, “My dad.” He then briefly shared how much of an impact his dad had on him. He wrapped up by saying, “And that’s why I want to be a great dad.” He wanted to continue his father’s legacy for his kids, and for their kids after them.
Now, this player is a well-known NBA superstar, but after hearing his answer, I’m convinced that if he had to choose between being selected for the Hall of Fame or being recognized as a great dad, he’d choose the latter. I could tell that leaving a legacy was a top priority for him. An NBA career is momentary, a couple decades at the most. But a legacy will far outlive you.
In Psalm 128, we learn that when someone takes God seriously, He will bless that person with a legacy (Psalm 128:4). Whose legacy are you carrying on? Your parents’? Your grandparents’? And who will carry on your Christian legacy? Commit to forming a legacy now, even if you don’t have children. Pray that God would give you a Christian legacy that outlives you and makes an impact for generations.
— Ikki Soma, former Houston Rockets chaplain
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