Our reputation…our legacy…our character…our actions. These are critical elements of who we are as Christians and as leaders.

It only takes a momentary lapse in judgement, ignoring God’s Spirit who wants to direct our actions in the right way, for our reputation to be shattered. And that action can tarnish the legacy we hope to leave behind. In recent years, we have learned of key ministry leaders who have given in to secret sins that later in their journey became known. Their ministries, their lives, and their legacies have taken a hit that reverberates through the people around them.

I’m reminded of Solomon’s wise admonition:

Guard your heart above all else,

for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Henry Blackaby’s life and legacy impacted my life. Over the years, he was a spiritual mentor to me, and Dr. Blackaby became my friend. Yet his son, Richard, has indicated that his dad was not perfect. Writing about his father on the occasion of Henry Blackaby’s death, Richard revealed this about the one who influenced millions for Christ:

“Dad wasn’t perfect. While I mean no disrespect toward my father after his recent passing, the truth is that he was a frail creature of clay with plenty of shortcomings. For me, these faults make his life and legacy all the more remarkable.”

The shortcomings Richard detailed were minor, to be sure, but the point was made. Even a great man like Henry Blackaby was not perfect.

Richard went on to say:

“Dad had an eye on legacy. I don’t mean he sought fame or recognition. Dad wanted to leave a legacy of children and grandchildren who loved and served his God as fervently as he had.”

Are there things in your life you wish you could erase? It may be something relatively small that no one knows about. Or it may be something in your past that lingers in your mind and distracts you from serving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It may even be something that you think could disqualify you from being the man or woman God has called you to be.

Not so.

My friend Sheila Walsh has a wonderful ministry as a speaker, author, singer, and spiritual mentor to many. Yet there are things in her past that could challenge her as she serves. I recently heard Sheila voice a profound truth.

“Your life is not defined by the last thing you have done. It is defined by the last thing Jesus did.”

Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, His Word can remind us:

…if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9 NLT

Our reputation…legacy…character…actions. You can draw a line today and move forward in ministry and life, no matter what may linger in your past. Your life is defined by what Jesus did. You can build your life on that truth starting right now.

God’s best,