Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. (Philippians 3:12) 

After having a year of college under my belt and a season with my golf team, I have been reflecting on what kind of legacy I want to leave with the three years I have left, Lord willing. How can I leave my campus, locker room and the uniform in a better place than when I got here? This is a question we all have to ask ourselves about our journeys here on earth. In Philippians 3, Paul is encouraging Christ followers to leave a legacy marked by the grace of Christ. We are still imperfect sinners, but with Christ living in and through us we can have a positive impact. So how do we leave a legacy marked by the grace of Christ with the time He gives us? I believe Jesus modeled this beautifully in two ways: through surrender and through sacrifice.  

Jesus lived a life of surrender to the Father and His will. When we surrender our desires to God, we have a heart posture of humility. We give God control of our circumstances and in return have a peace and joy that only comes from resting in Him. Honestly, it’s hard to feel God’s peace in the midst of our difficult seasons. But Jesus modeled this through His prayer life with the Father. Jesus would get away from the noise and stress of the crowds to be alone and talk to His Father. We were made to be in connection with our Heavenly Father, and time in prayer quieting our thoughts cultivates a life of peace.  

Jesus lived a life of sacrifice. He sacrificed His time for “the least of these” in His ministry, He put others’ needs before His own, and He gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ life transformed the church and the hearts of many. Christ has made us His own and given us the power of the Holy Spirit to be vessels to love and serve others even in our weakness. 

When we live as apprentices of Christ and follow His rhythms of daily surrender and sacrifice, we will leave a legacy of impact marked by the grace of Jesus.  

So, as you reflect on your own life and heart, what do you need to surrender to Christ and how can you sacrificially serve someone in need this week? 

By C.A. Carte