Faith & Insight: Still speaking

“…through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” Hebrews 11:4

Since the days of Thomas Edison, people have continued to speak though dead. Through the recorded voice, listeners can enjoy music recorded by such late greats as Nat “King” Cole, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Ruth Brown, Dinah Washington, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin.

These recording artists, though dead, have left a rich legacy of music. Abel left a legacy of faith. The author of Hebrews writes concerning Abel, “through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” “Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” Abel listened to God and obeyed God. Abel’s legacy is faith.

Father Damien and Mother Teresa left legacies of love and service to God and to the sick and to the poor. Jesus left legacies of love, forgiveness, light, hope, and life-abundant and eternal life.

What are we doing with the gift of life that we’ve been given? When we’re gone, will we still speak? Will our faith, hope, love, and service be remembered? What will our spiritual legacy be? Timothy received a legacy of faith from his grandmother, Lois and mother, Eunice.

Moses reminds us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads, write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”

Live thusly and you will leave a great legacy, through your faith, though you be dead, you will still speak! May your thoughts, words, deeds, and lifestyle teach others to love God and their fellow man. May your legacy live!

Ken Haskins is head pastor at First Christian Church in Carson City.