by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me."

2 Timothy 4:6-9

What will people remember from your life?

On a peaceful April morning three years ago, the nation was rocked by reports of shootings at the Virginia Polytechnic University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Reports came early in the morning that a gunman had entered a co-ed dorm and fatally shot two students. During the police and medical response, the gunman then made his way across campus, and barricaded himself and hundreds of students in an education building. Seeking to do the most harm, he opened fire on the classrooms. Many students and professors blockaded their classroom doors once they heard the gun shots, yet the gunman found ways in to many classrooms, and by the end of the day had killed thirty-two innocent lives, while injuring twenty-three other people.

While the nation mourned the horrific shootings, as details of the case were discovered, news of those who perished were released. One student, twenty year old Lauren McCain, stood out above the rest as someone prepared for death.

According to the following CBS News report, Lauren McCain had a strong faith in Christ:

Lauren McCain, 20, was originally from Oklahoma but most recently lived in the Hampton, Va., area. The freshman, who was an avowed Christian, planned to major in international studies. Home-schooled, McCain had worked at a department store for about a year to save money for college.

Her uncle, Jeff Elliott, speaking to The Oklahoman newspaper, described her as an avid reader who was learning German and had almost mastered Latin. She spent several years of her childhood in Oklahoma but her father's Navy career also took the family to Florida, Texas and then to Virginia.

"She had a brilliant mind just in the way she thought about things and the way she went about her work," said Gary Heatherly, a former youth minister at Portland, Tex., First Baptist Church.

As information about McCain was being gathered, officials ran across a message she had left on her personal website: "The purpose and love of my life is Jesus Christ. I don't have to argue religion, philosophy, or historical evidence because I KNOW Him."

McCain left behind a testimony of faith, and a message of hope. Those who knew her knew that she had trusted Christ as Saviour had no doubt they would see her again in Heaven one day. Her legacy of faith lasted beyond her years on earth.

Paul left a similar legacy when he passed on to eternity. In 2 Timothy 4, he writes his final words and could honestly testify that he had followed God's will, honored God with his life, and completed his journey. He wasn't perfect, but he did leave a legacy of faithfulness.

When you pass on from this life into eternity, what will be your lasting legacy? What memory will you leave behind? People remembered McCain's evident faith. People look at Paul's faithfulness and remember his godly life. What will people remember from your life?

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalm 54-56 | Romans 3