A Legacy to Fight For
By Fred Wikoff
When we think of a legacy we normally think of a bequest or something handed down by a parent or relative, such as money or other personal property. Or in the case of exceptionally gifted individuals, a lifetime of outstanding accomplishments is sometimes recognized as a legacy. For instance Mozart left the public his music and Van Gogh his paintings.
Of course such treasures are rare and priceless compared to the legacies handed down by most. Yet occasionally an entire generation of ordinary folk will also leave a priceless, but intrinsic legacy to their offspring, such as the national work ethic; born out of the great depression of the thirties.
Back then money and jobs were scarce. Those lucky enough to have jobs learned to work diligently and efficiently to keep them. Ten hour days, six days a week, at ten cents an hour was the norm. So it was only natural that for years after, parents talked with pride of how they survived by giving an honest day’s work for a dollar, and taught their children to do the same.
A value cannot be put on such a legacy, so it becomes as priceless as the great master pieces. But inherent beliefs and attitudes can sometimes prove harder to pass down than material treasures. And the work ethic taught to my age group seems to be fading with each passing generation. Just where the blame lies is uncertain. What is certain: a priceless legacy has all but vanished, and should be a warning to all Christians as to how easily an inheritance can be lost.
Christ once asked his disciples, “When the Son of man comes will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8
The question might seem needless to multitudes of today’s Christians setting in comfortable pews across the nation. Happily surrounded by fellow believers, we easily forget that the legacy Christ entrusted to us is being challenged daily throughout the world.
Just recently, Bill Maher’s film, Religion premiered in the theaters. Its stated aim is to “educate” the public as to the falsity of religion . . . Christianity included. As a result many people with wavering faith and those trying to make-up their minds about Christ may be lost.
We are truly like “sheep in the midst of wolves,” and must constantly be on guard to keep Satan and his helpers from “devouring” us. (See Matthew 10:16 and 1Peter 5:8) The enemy is not resting, nor can we.
Christ leaves no doubt as to what he expects from us. “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” (John 20:21) His legacy of eternal life is in our hands. He offers no other plan.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Fred Wikoff writes from Eugene Oregon. Eugenespud@msn.com