We’re working on it every day.
For he has died to us, the leader of nations who guarded the living,
he has died to us, who was our chief of the needy,
he has died to us, who was our messenger of the Lord…
– Dallán Forgaill, “Amra Choluimb Chille,” Irish, 6th century[1]
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
– Acts 9.39
I find this account of the raising of Dorcas to be immensely poignant. The image of those widows weeping— lonely women loved, cared for, and clothed by one whose primary claim to fame was her skill with a needle—is a testimony to the power of grace and good works.
The same deep sense of loss fills Dallán Forgaill’s testimony of the impact of Colum Cille on the lives of those who knew him. Colum did many good works for others. His passing left a void in many lives, yet by his example, many were transformed to do good for others.
Doing good for others is an important aspect of the work of our Personal Mission Field. It’s how we demonstrate the reality of Jesus, risen from the dead and living in and through us (cf. Titus 3.1, 8, 14).
Whether our good works are humble and on a small-scale, like Dorcas, or dramatic and far-flung, like those of Colum Cille, we each have abundant opportunities to touch others with the grace of God and to leave a legacy of love into the future. Every encounter with another person can touch a life with the grace of Jesus Christ. A smile, an encouraging word, a helping hand, a compliment, a sincere word of appreciation—such good works, consistently performed, can leave a lasting sense of the love of Jesus.
Where good works are concerned, consistency and sincerity are more important than magnitude. And we can always improve in these two areas.
We have been saved in Jesus Christ for the sake of others, to minister His grace to them, to refresh them with the living water of Christ’s grace and Spirit (Eph. 2.8-10; Jn. 7.37-39). Salvation that ends only with us being grateful and at peace for being forgiven, but which seldom reaches out to others, has not yet begun to blossom as the Lord intends. Jesus saves us to move us toward others, that we may leave a legacy of love with those to whom He sends us each day.
We’re all sewing a legacy of one kind or another. How will we be remembered by the people we live and work with day by day? Will our passing from this world leave a void in their lives, or a sense of relief, or nothing at all? What kind of legacy are you putting together? What works of Jesus will others recall because you showed Him to them?
Today, what will you contribute to those whose lives and souls you encounter? Your Personal Mission Field consists of the places to which God sends you each day. Prepare each day to go out into your Personal Mission Field to sow good words and practice good deeds. Live a transformed life in Christ and show His love to the people around you. Talk about Him and urge others to consider His love. The more intentional we are about working our Pesonal Mission Field, the more sincere and consistent we will be in showing the love of Christ to others.
We will not leave a legacy of love by mere chance; legacy-building is resolute, visionary, self-conscious work. And we are all called to it.
Like Dorcas, we sew our legacy deliberately, gradually, and with specific people in mind. And like Colum, we might leave our legacy of good works behind in the lives of others, to carry it on indefinitely.
We do not know what God intends to do with our works; we only know that we must do them, for love’s sake, in imitation of Jesus, toward a legacy of love for the generations.
Let it be your intention to sow true words and good works in your Personal Mission Field, and thus to sew a legacy of love with your life. Others will be blessed, you will be delighted, and Jesus will be glorified. And it doesn’t get any better than that.
For Reflection
1. Paul says we must be “ready” for good works (Titus 3.1). How can you prepare each day to ensure that you will be ready when the opportunity arises?
2. If this were your last day on earth, what legacy would you leave for others?
Psalm 40.6-8 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
Off’rings You do not require—open now my ears, O Lord.
What from me do You desire? Firm delight to do Your Word.
Take my life in ev’ry part; write Your Law upon my heart.
Give thanks
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Want to know more about Colum Cille?
Colum was one of the greatest of Irish saints. He lived in the 6th century and founded the island community of Iona, which still exists today. We have prepared a 30-day reader based on documents from Colum’s day and later, matched with appropriate Scripture, and you can download Colum Cille: A Devotional History by clicking here.
Thank you.
Many of you are faithful and generous in praying for and supporting Crosfigell and The Fellowship of Ailbe. Thank you. May I encourage all our readers to seek the Lord about becoming a supporter of The Fellowship of Ailbe? It’s easy to give to The Fellowship of Ailbe, and all gifts are, of course, tax-deductible. You can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal or Anedot, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
T. M. Moore
All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
[1] Clancy and Márkus, p. 105.
