What have you accomplished? What will be your legacy on Earth?

[dtknowles]

Years ago about the time the Space Shuttle Program was shutdown one of my co-workers talked to me about his feelings that his legacy was not as great as he had hoped. He was a husband, father, never divorced, very straight but had climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and mountains in Tibet and is a champion board game player. He also made contributions to the success of the Space Shuttle Program. A God fearing believer in Jesus but he still felt like he should have accomplished more. I don't think he ever did much of anything personally to help someone down on their luck.

What trigger me to write this post is something someone posted here.

"I figger libs live by virtue signaling, not what they accomplish. Conservatives give to functioning charities, Liberals give to radical politicians"

I think the member "figgers" wrong. Yes, many rich "libs" live by virtue signaling but many more "libs" walk the talk. If a conservative gives to a functioning charity, it is probably a liberal on the other end delivering services and doing the real work of making that charity make a difference.

I had a liberal Christian dentist who took his vacation every year in Belize. He and his crew brought cases of sneakers and clothes to the poor people in Belize and the fixed poor peoples teeth while on vacation.

Americorps

https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps

I don't know if these people performing national service are liberal or conservative and it does not matter. What matters is they make a difference.

Peace Corps, same deal but you can bet most of them are "libs"

What is your legacy?

Tim

[Gtrubicon]

Our own legacy is what we make of it, my legacy is believing in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,hard work, loving one woman, and still lusting for her after 23 years of marriage, being the best father I know how to a 14 yr old son that we are raising in a very difficult time, especially in California. I have helped a lot of people along my journey, I am only 44 yrs old. Lately everyone has their hand out in the areas I’m working in and around. God has a plan for all of us, some more intricate than others, it’s up to us to recognize what Gods gift to you is, then make it your legacy.

[dannyd]

My Legacy is, What I was on the earth is going to a hole in the ground and Who I am on Earth is going to glory.

[Thundarstick]

Well done! My good and faithful servant. It's the only legacy I care anything about. All works well be tried in a fire and most will be burned like chaff and straw!

[Petrol & Powder]

Why would your accomplishments be defined by what organized charity you contributed to?

Why does it need to be a charity at all?

[justashooter]

3 grandsons who look just like me. now that's immortality.

[Ickisrulz]

So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

[dannyd]

So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Reminds me of the "Blue haired old ladies" that always remind the preacher how much money they have given to the church. They also never understand why the 5 dollars from the guy who now has to figure out where his next meal is coming from means so much more to that preacher.

[Ickisrulz]

Reminds me of the "Blue haired old ladies" that always remind the preacher how much money they have given to the church. They also never understand why the 5 dollars from the guy who now has to figure out where his next meal is coming from means so much more to that preacher.

Jesus' remarks about the "widow's mites" were criticism of the pharisees who demanded and accepted gifts that would harm the giver. Nowhere in all of Scripture does God demand support of religious leaders or the poor if it will take necessary nourishment out of the mouth of an improvised giver.

[dannyd]

Jesus' remarks about the "widow's mites" were criticism of the pharisees who demanded and accepted gifts that would harm the giver. Nowhere in all of Scripture does God demand support of religious leaders or the poor if it will take necessary nourishment out of the mouth of an improvised giver.

True, but the Rich give to get something back and people with a lower means give because they just want to.

[Ickisrulz]

True, but the Rich give to get something back and people with a lower means give because they just want to.

That's a pretty broad statement and can obviously not be true in 100% of the cases.

How many people in churches are shamed into giving; ever hear a sermon on tithing? Many of their gifts are not because they want to give them.

On the other hand, there are rich people who truly want to help others and further God's work. One example from the Bible is the family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus that supported Jesus and his disciples during his ministry. They loved Jesus and gave freely.

[dtknowles]

Maybe I can nudge this thread back on track. I was not supposed to be only about charity. Your legacy could be something you actually got paid for. A beautiful work of art. An inspirational book. A trail in the woods. A life saving medicine. It could be anything you did that makes the world a better place. Think hard because your legacy could be you took and did not give. The world might be better off if you had never been born.

Tim

[Petrol & Powder]

Maybe I can expose this thread for what it really is, A big Guilt Trip.

Lots of people live good lives, die and any legacy they established is known to but a few.

[dtknowles]

Maybe I can expose this thread for what it really is, A big Guilt Trip.

Lots of people live good lives, die and any legacy they established is known to but a few.

God will know and that is all that matters.

Tim

[Wayne Smith]

To answer the question - I have done absolutely nothing of consequence. Everything is God doing through me - and that is His choice.

[Ickisrulz]

Maybe I can expose this thread for what it really is, A big Guilt Trip.

dtknowles has written on more than one occasion that he hopes to get Christians to start "walking the walk" instead of merely holding a belief. Of course this is the same thing Paul and James wanted. However, faith in Jesus Christ and his Father were an absolute must for the early Church leaders. Not so with dtknowles who has also said he can work his way to salvation by doing good works (and restitution for the the wrong he has done in life; which will work as long as others forgive him).

So these types of threads are either an attempt to motivate others or a dig at Christians who he sees as not living up to his standards.

Now I will admit, some of the worst people I have ever worked with were Christians. Not everyone is at the same level of sanctification and many will go to their eternal destiny as a "baby Christian." Fortunately for everyone, God is exceedingly generous toward his people.

[1hole]

What trigger me to write this post is something someone posted here.

"I figger libs live by virtue signaling, not what they accomplish. Conservatives give to functioning charities, Liberals give to radical politicians"

I think the member "figgers" wrong. Yes, many rich "libs" live by virtue signaling but many more "libs" walk the talk. If a conservative gives to a functioning charity, it is probably a liberal on the other end delivering services and doing the real work of making that charity make a difference.

Goodness, that observation "triggers" you? And you truly believe Libs are the ones that make charity things "work"? Well, I'll have to get back to you about that one.


What is your legacy?

Well, since what we say here is anonymous, I'm not really blowing my own horn can feel safe giving you a little of my "legacy":

* I spent some 20 years of (unpaid) teaching Am. Red Cross programs in First Aid, CPR, Aquatic Lifesaving. (I also served 2 1/2 years as a local ARC Chapter chairman). Those tasks took a LOT of my "free" time.

* When I was younger, tuffer and dummer, I spent 9 years as a volunteer Fire/Rescue EMT team member in the Smoky Mountains of N.C. (mostly patching up the remains of auto accidents); But it included some (very) dangerous SCUBA searching for aquatic casualties (I found two drowning victims); long, steep mountain searches and rescue of lost and injured folk (some of it on rock faces several hundreds of feet above a nice landing place and I once dove in the white water river in "Deliverance"). I've spent a few long, thunder stormy nights in cold, waist deep water finding and getting stranded people (and a few cows) out of flash floods and then provided a couple of families home shelter and food until the waters subsided; I was a Cub Scout pack leader for two years; I've given more than 3 gallons of blood and a good bit of plasma to the ARC (until I had a deadly heart attack and must take medicines that preclude me as a donor).

If you count such things, I was an NRA Instructor for Firearms Safety and Rifle & Pistol Marksmanship in Titusville, FL, for a couple of years.

I was a Sunday School and teen programs teacher for about 8 years.

We've served as foster parents to four children who really needed help; one stayed with us for three years. We've never been financally secure but we didn't get a dime of assistance from anyone for those kids.

I've helped building handicap ramps; repairing handrails, roofs, floors, steps, plumbing and electrical problems for injured, indigent or elderly people who couldn't do it themselves.

I've worked some long, hard days with several ad hoc response teams obtaining, preparing and handling out food for the indigent. And, to get back to you about this, yes, we did have several Liberal "helpers" show up (we can usually spot them by their cars rash of PC bumper stickers). Libs typically come late (at least well after the drugework of setting up is done), they usually grab front line serving jobs (for the local "news" photo ops?), and they tend to disappear as soon as clean-up starts ... but, you're right, I have seen libs participate in "soup kitchens" ... a little, and Libs do talk a great deal about helping. But, down where the hard, unseen labor of helping people actually hits the road ... as a group, libs really aren't worth much; especially in the long haul!


Okay, you asked and that's more than enough about my years of public service legacy; now tell us yours! Do you like to be up front making it all work by bravely handling hot ladles, etc., in soup kitchens? :)

[Martin Luber]

As was once said, the good men do is oft
interred with their bones, the evil, lives after them.

[Harter66]

Wiser men than me have said many more ways , strive only to be a good person and to do good and right , you will be great in many eyes . Only a few will be great and written about , memorialised or make advancements that make them a household name .

A few will know my name in 100 yr , fewer will have some trinket I left behind .
One can strive to be great but the deeds are only as great as history and progression of those deeds make them . Tesla vs Marconi and Edison as an example . Nobody but a very , very few remember RAdm David Griggs but his one shinning moment of glory was no less impressive than the first shuttle shot and it gave engineers something new to work on for a year or so. He raced a little to but he wasn't a Lyle Shelton figure .

If I'm great in the eyes of my granddaughters and grandson for just long enough that they tell their grand children of some day we shared that's about as great as I expect to be and that's good enough for me .

[dangitgriff]

I am raising two boys with my wife—in a third-world country where their prospects are poor for early success in life—to be good men: independent, self-actualized and critical thinkers in a Marxist culture in which they will soon find themselves in. I expect they will not be out in the streets with the rest of the idiots demanding more of someone else’s money through our totally corrupt government.
It’s not easy to raise real men in the USA anymore, but someone has to step up and whip their minds and behinds into shape. And I can do it on top of working six days a week. They are the future. They learn from their father in the present. They will be as prepared as any young man can be when they strike out on their own.
R/Griff

[dtknowles]

Goodness, that observation "triggers" you? And you truly believe Libs are the ones that make charity things "work"? Well, I'll have to get back to you about that one.



Well, since what we say here is anonymous, I'm not really blowing my own horn can feel safe giving you a little of my "legacy":

* I spent some 20 years of (unpaid) teaching Am. Red Cross programs in First Aid, CPR, Aquatic Lifesaving. (I also served 2 1/2 years as a local ARC Chapter chairman). Those tasks took a LOT of my "free" time.

* When I was younger, tuffer and dummer, I spent 9 years as a volunteer Fire/Rescue EMT team member in the Smoky Mountains of N.C. (mostly patching up the remains of auto accidents); But it included some (very) dangerous SCUBA searching for aquatic casualties (I found two drowning victims); long, steep mountain searches and rescue of lost and injured folk (some of it on rock faces several hundreds of feet above a nice landing place and I once dove in the white water river in "Deliverance"). I've spent a few long, thunder stormy nights in cold, waist deep water finding and getting stranded people (and a few cows) out of flash floods and then provided a couple of families home shelter and food until the waters subsided; I was a Cub Scout pack leader for two years; I've given more than 3 gallons of blood and a good bit of plasma to the ARC (until I had a deadly heart attack and must take medicines that preclude me as a donor).

If you count such things, I was an NRA Instructor for Firearms Safety and Rifle & Pistol Marksmanship in Titusville, FL, for a couple of years.

I was a Sunday School and teen programs teacher for about 8 years.

We've served as foster parents to four children who really needed help; one stayed with us for three years. We've never been financally secure but we didn't get a dime of assistance from anyone for those kids.

I've helped building handicap ramps; repairing handrails, roofs, floors, steps, plumbing and electrical problems for injured, indigent or elderly people who couldn't do it themselves.

I've worked some long, hard days with several ad hoc response teams obtaining, preparing and handling out food for the indigent. And, to get back to you about this, yes, we did have several Liberal "helpers" show up (we can usually spot them by their cars rash of PC bumper stickers). Libs typically come late (at least well after the drugework of setting up is done), they usually grab front line serving jobs (for the local "news" photo ops?), and they tend to disappear as soon as clean-up starts ... but, you're right, I have seen libs participate in "soup kitchens" ... a little, and Libs do talk a great deal about helping. But, down where the hard, unseen labor of helping people actually hits the road ... as a group, libs really aren't worth much; especially in the long haul!


Okay, you asked and that's more than enough about my years of public service legacy; now tell us yours! Do you like to be up front making it all work by bravely handling hot ladles, etc., in soup kitchens? :)

Interesting. I lived in Titusville Fl. twice for a total of more than 10 years.

The point of the thread was not to compare accomplishments but to get people to think about what they are accomplishing. To try and get them do more to make the world a better place.

I have worked for almost 40 years now helping advance our nation's space programs.

Almost 10 years ago I joined with a coworker to start a new aerospace company when a bunch of us were laid off at the end of the Space Shuttle Program. This company now has around 50 employees.

I have helped raise 4 stepchildren who were mostly abandoned by their fathers.

I donated more than 5 gallons of blood.

I have brought food to shut-ins and food to soup kitchens

I have gone to schools to do STEM outreach to encourage students to learn more math and science.

I have done repair projects for charities.

I have helped with disaster recovery.

Not every Lib has bumper stickers on their car.

Tim

[Gtrubicon]

Wow Griff, sounds like you live in California, like me.

[pertnear]

All we are is what we leave behind. Simple enough...

[brass410]

helped 5 fatherless young fellows get thier firearms safety course completed, and showed them how to hunt and fish &respect thier elders, equiped them all with used fishing/hunting boats and necessary equip to match. Havent shot a partridge in 2 years and we always have venision bear and moose with fresh fish year round. And I have a fish/hunt partner at will, they still make time for my arthritic keester to join at camp if I dont show, they come and drag me out. ITS TRUE kids that fish, hunt, and trap dont mug little old ladies, but they will put a whuppin on those that do.

[dangitgriff]

Wow Griff, sounds like you live in California, like me.

We live in the USSA.

[dangitgriff]

Tim, what is NASA’s mission? A reasonable person would conclude they are wasting a lot of taxpayer money. There is no Constitutional authority whatsoever for NASA’s existence. NASA is full of bureaucrats and socialists that prioritize their continued existence at the expense of everyone else. We have no justification for looking for another place in the solar system for human habitation when there is plenty of room for improvement right here on Earth.
I applaud you for starting a private company and finding a way to contribute to space exploration without resorting to expropriation from the productive sector of the economy, as NASA and the government are fond of doing. NASA should be defunded, audited and shut down, and space exploration fully privatized.
R/Griff

[1hole]

Tim, what is NASA’s mission? A reasonable person would conclude they are wasting a lot of taxpayer money.

You are correct. First rule for ALL gobbermint agencies is to consider their continued (and lavish) existence as their primary duty.

Twelve years ago Obbamer appointed a black guy to head NASA and gave him the hugely important political task of finding spacey ways to make Muslims feel good about themselves. Never heard of the guy after that (and don't know if he's still in power) but it's obvious that he failed his first task.


There is no Constitutional authority whatsoever for NASA’s existence.

True. But politicians use the Constitutional phrase "to care for the public good" as a license for them do do anything they wish by saying it's for the public good. (You can thank our first socialist president, FDR (D) for that "cover it all" idea.) Dems use it so they can eternally seize more and more federal power; they say it's only done to "help" us deplorables in fly-over country, you know?


NASA is full of bureaucrats and socialists that prioritize their continued existence at the expense of everyone else.

Absolutely; see rule one.

[dverna]

Thinking about one's legacy feeds one of the deadly sins...pride.

If we believe we are doing God's work, then where He directs us is what He needs done.

Cleaning the toilet is not much of a "legacy" but it needs to get done. Many of the small things we do to help others may be viewed like that. Most of us would be better served by thinking not so much about our lauded accomplishments but the acts of Christianity that the Lord moves us to do.

[dangitgriff]

I’ve learned to spot the difference between someone acting like a good person and being a good person.
R/Griff

[Ickisrulz]

Thinking about one's legacy feeds one of the deadly sins...pride.

If we believe we are doing God's work, then where He directs us is what He needs done.

Cleaning the toilet is not much of a "legacy" but it needs to get done. Many of the small things we do to help others may be viewed like that. Most of us would be better served by thinking not so much about our lauded accomplishments but the acts of Christianity that the Lord moves us to do.

I like your thinking. We should make our families lives better on a daily basis. Many people who were out doing "God's work" regret the time they missed with their families while their kids were growing up.

[dtknowles]

Tim, what is NASA’s mission? A reasonable person would conclude they are wasting a lot of taxpayer money. There is no Constitutional authority whatsoever for NASA’s existence. NASA is full of bureaucrats and socialists that prioritize their continued existence at the expense of everyone else. We have no justification for looking for another place in the solar system for human habitation when there is plenty of room for improvement right here on Earth.
I applaud you for starting a private company and finding a way to contribute to space exploration without resorting to expropriation from the productive sector of the economy, as NASA and the government are fond of doing. NASA should be defunded, audited and shut down, and space exploration fully privatized.
R/Griff

There is a lot of truth is what you said but also some misconceptions. Nothing says the Government can't do things that are not required by the Constitution. Research and Development comes under the heading of "promote the general welfare." The Space Programs are more than just NASA. Spinoff technology from NASA R&D as added more to the economy than NASA's budget costs. Yes, NASA over the years has grown into a bloated bureaucracy and needs a good house cleaning and to has to hand more tasks to the private sector now that the private sector is advancing faster than NASA. The current NASA Administrator understands that but is hamstrung by Congress that can't let go of what benefits their states.

NASA has tried to close some of their research centers but Congress always blocks them. Ohio went so far as to rename Lewis Research Center to Glenn Research Center to get more support in Congress.

Tim

[dtknowles]

I like your thinking. We should make our families lives better on a daily basis. Many people who were out doing "God's work" regret the time they missed with their families while their kids were growing up.

I see this as circles within circles. The tightest circle is your immediate family, the next circle is extended family and friends, the next is your community and acquaintances, the next is your region of the world and last is the whole world. The tightest circles are the most important and should be your focus but you should not live in a bubble and not consider the whole world.

Food for thought, who remembers the song "Cat's in the Cradle"

Cat's in the Cradle
Harry Chapin

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you, dad"
"You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw, I said, not today
I got a lot to do, he said, that's okay
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed
It said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?
He shook his head, and he said with a smile
What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then, dad
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired and my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, I'd like to see you if you don't mind
He said, I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time
You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad
It's been sure nice talking to you
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then, dad
We're gonna have a good time then

For non-commercial use only.
Data from: LyricFind

[Ickisrulz]

When I was in Bible school back in the 80's, the following question was raised:

Two people are drowning. One person is a Christian and the other is a non-Christian. You can only rescue one. Which one will you rescue? Some people suggested rescuing the non-Christian because the Christian's place in heave was secured and the non-believer might come to faith one day. Others suggested rescuing the Christian because he could share the Gospel with others during his lifetime thereby ensuring they were saved. The question was answered by the man teaching the class using a biblical reference, which he always did:

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10.

Do with that what you will.

[country gent]

Three children to carry on after me @ daughters 1 Son. 3 grandsons Im helping guide into young men, and many apprentices over my career,

[dtknowles]

When I was in Bible school back in the 80's, the following question was raised:

Two people are drowning. One person is a Christian and the other is a non-Christian. You can only rescue one. Which one will you rescue? Some people suggested rescuing the non-Christian because the Christian's place in heave was secured and the non-believer might come to faith one day. Others suggested rescuing the Christian because he could share the Gospel with others during his lifetime thereby ensuring they were saved. The question was answered by the man teaching the class using a biblical reference, which he always did:

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10.

Do with that what you will.

It is an interesting thought exercise. Why would we be sure that the Christian's place in heaven was secured? How do we know they were in a state of grace. If saved how do we know they will not fall from grace. Still in my analogy of circles, the Christian is in another Christian's tighter circles. Part of the same community. The potential rescuer probably has no relationship with the drowning non-Christian. I think that is what the Bible verse is getting at.

Tim

[1hole]

It's a "pop music" religion now? :grin:

[Ickisrulz]

It is an interesting thought exercise. Why would we be sure that the Christian's place in heaven was secured? How do we know they were in a state of grace. If saved how do we know they will not fall from grace. Still in my analogy of circles, the Christian is in another Christian's tighter circles. Part of the same community. The potential rescuer probably has no relationship with the drowning non-Christian. I think that is what the Bible verse is getting at.

Tim

I'm starting to think you may not be as biblical literate as you suggest. A believer can be assured of their position in Christ because of the love they show toward other believers and the fact their life is not mastered by sin (First Letter of John). Christians are recognized by their love for one another (per Jesus). The answers to your other questions can be found in the New Testament.

[Texas by God]

Right up to this second, I have survived all the slings and arrows but for the grace of God. That’s my legacy.

[dtknowles]

I'm starting to think you may not be as biblical literate as you suggest. A believer can be assured of their position in Christ because of the love they show toward other believers and the fact their life is not mastered by sin (First Letter of John). Christians are recognized by their love for one another (per Jesus). The answers to your other questions can be found in the New Testament.

There are Christians and there are believers. There are Christians in the pews every Sunday who do not really believe and will not be saved. You know this.

Tim

[Ickisrulz]

There are Christians and there are believers. There are Christians in the pews every Sunday who do not really believe and will not be saved. You know this.

Tim

Christians are believers who have secured their salvation through Christ. Those who don't believe but identify as "Christian" are nominal Christians and fall outside my definition of a Christian. I thought I have been clear on this.

[.429&H110]

Golly!
Let me adjourn another thread!

I have accomplished nothing.

With prayer and sacrifice this year
let Our Lord accomplish His Will
and bring America to revival.
Amen

[Chemoman]

legacy, who cares. never think about it. if the Holy Spirit tells me to do something, i do it. if he doesnt i dont worry about it. 7 children, all saved. my youngest son was saved when he was 4 years old and given the baptisim of the holy spirit at the same time. he was speaking in tongues at 4 years old. my wife is saved as i am. legacy is a stupid thing to chase, means nothing. live life and enjoy it and live as a christian with out trumpets and blowing horns before you. you can see im not narsistic, too many of those guys and gals in the world today. many of the tv preachers are narsistic. i flip them on once in a while just to time them to see how long it takes for them to talk about money or to say the words i or me hundreds of times. narsistic people make me want to loose my stomach. none of my children have that problem.