This is my last gift to you, this example of a way of life: a life of hard work, a life of helping the weak, a life that echoes every day those words of Jesus our King, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (VOICE)

Have you considered it before - your legacy?  

I have to admit, as a 30-something, I haven't thought about it much. But as my kids grow and my friends and I get older, legacy has started to increasingly stick to the brim of my mind. What will mine be? How are the decisions and actions I take today contributing toward it? Is my life moving in a trajectory that facilitates the legacy I'd like to leave behind?

I've heard Pastor Brian say that, at this point in ministry, he considers his chief job to "give away" to others everything he's learned along the way so far. And that resonates with me. It's like there's a tipping point in our lives where, if we have a sober view of our finiteness in mind, we would begin to shift our focus from climbing the ladder or building our own lives, to equipping others for when we're gone. If, as the old adage goes, you can't take it with you, then legacy is all about giving away every ounce of what you've accumulated, learned, and discovered away to those running behind you.  

And in today's passage, we see this moment in Paul’s life, too. On the coast of Asia Minor, in the booming port city of Ephesus, Acts 20 records Paul taking a private moment to say goodbye to some of his friends and co-laborers for the gospel, likely forever. Without the communication conveniences of modern technology, Paul knows that he won't see these friends again. He knows that, as he sails for Jerusalem, he is setting in motion events that will eventually take him to Rome, where he has discerned he will eventually end his days as a witness for the gospel (Acts 20:22-24).  

This dramatic moment sparks in Paul thoughts of legacy, just as might be sparked in you if you somehow knew you would never see someone you loved again. Were we watching a movie, we might expect Paul to share a final important message for his hearers – a remember this one thing kind of moment. It's amazing the fat that we cut out of our speech when we know our time is truly short.  

And this is exactly what Paul does. He gives two charges to his friends at Ephesus: Live out the call God has placed on your life...and be on your guard. He says, "Here are my instructions: diligently guard yourselves, and diligently guard the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has given you oversight. Shepherd the church of God, this precious church which He made His own through the blood of His own Son.I know that after I’ve gone, dangerous wolves will sneak in among you, savaging the flock.Some of you here today will begin twisting the truth, enticing disciples to go your way, to follow you. You must be on guard, and you must remember my way of life among you" (Acts 20:28-31a, VOICE).

Remember my way of life among you. In another letter, he says it this way: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1, ESV). Clearly, Paul has considered his legacy, and here's what he boils it down to for these friends in the next few verses:  

"Remember my example: I never once coveted a single coin of silver or gold. I never looked twice at someone’s fine clothing. No, you know this: I worked with my own two hands making tents, and I paid my own expenses and my companions’ expenses as well.This is my last gift to you, this example of a way of life: a life of hard work, a life of helping the weak, a life that echoes every day those words of Jesus our King, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:33-35, VOICE).

Give it all away, Paul says. It's not about what you can get or achieve or compound. It's about giving away whatever it is God has given you. Maybe that's money or resources. Maybe it’s learning or wisdom. Maybe it's time, care, love, service, attention...whatever it is, are you holding it tightly for yourself today, or are you giving it away?  

Father God, you have poured out your blessing and Spirit over my life so generously - thank you! Will you remind me that it is more blessed to give than to receive and help me to give it all away. May my legacy never point back to myself, but to your generosity and goodness at every turn. In Jesus' name, amen.