Devotional 2-23-10

A Legacy of Faithfulness

Please read Genesis 15:1-12; 17-18

“…the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates....’”

In these days of instant gratification and materialism, it is difficult to imagine one acting in faith as Abram did. Abram gave up the comfort of his familiar surroundings and set out to a strange land in response to God’s call, not so that he could gain personally, but so that his descendents could have the land that God promised. As the writer of Hebrews said, Abram (Abraham) “died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them.” Hebrews 11:13.

I see examples of that kind of faithfulness in my work at the United Methodist Foundation. I often help individuals who have a desire to act in faith to make a planned gift, that is, a gift from their accumulated resources. It is like they are planting trees the fruit from which they will never personally enjoy. They act generously and in faith, with a vision that goes beyond their own lifetimes. Often, the motivation for a planned gift is to not only provide future financial resources, but also to set an example of faith.

For instance, I met a gentleman during the terrible economic climate of the last half of 2008, who decided it was the right time to create an endowment fund (anonymously) for his church in rural West Virginia. His inspiration was that he wanted to be a witness of faithfulness and generosity in tough times for future generations.

By contrast, we are all paying a price for the actions of some individuals and corporations who act not out of generosity and faith, but out greed without regard for anyone else.

We are examples of for future generations. Will you leave a legacy of faithfulness?

Jeff Taylor