By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
My husband and I are not in the habit of watching reality shows, but after a recommendation from our daughter and son-in-law, we started watching a show on Netflix called Alone. It’s absolutely fascinating, and now we are hooked.
Each season of the show highlights ten adventurous individuals who are taken to a remote wilderness location and left completely alone to see how long they can survive. They are only allowed to take a handful of supplies and tools to help them endure their time living there. They have to gather off the land whatever that setting has to offer. The one who lasts the longest without “tapping out” wins $500,000.
One of the first projects contestants take on is to construct a place of shelter using whatever they can find in their surroundings. Some take their time to build a very sturdy home, like a mini log cabin that even has a fireplace. These well-constructed accommodations are spectacular and will likely remain standing long after its builder goes home. Other contestants, however, build shelters very quickly, using less-sturdy materials. They aren’t interested in having something that lasts. Only something that will get them by until the end of the contest.
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:20-2).
I was recently reminded through the scripture passage in 2 Timothy that I want to be like those contestants who aren’t satisfied with barely getting by. I want to be someone who “builds” things that last long after I’m gone.
Wood and clay are common materials that are plentiful and easy to find. Gold and silver are considered rare, but they last for generations. As we build our lives using the time, talents, and life experiences God has given us, it’s important for us, at different junctures, to reflect and ask ourselves a very important question: Am I building something that will last past my lifetime, or am I merely surviving, barely getting by?
Building a legacy that lasts will probably take more time, energy, and resources than we originally planned to invest, but anything worthwhile usually does. What I do in my own strength represents wood and clay. What I do through the power of the Holy Spirit represents gold and silver. Like precious metals forged in the fire, God is purifying His vessels for noble purposes. The process requires there be less of us and more of Him.
We may feel lost or even abandoned by mankind, but the truth is we are never alone. God is always with us and will direct us in the way we should go. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Sure, we all grow weary at times from the challenges we face in life. And yes, there are times when it feels like we are all alone. But when things don’t work out like we had hoped, much like those contestants on the show, we need to keep our eyes on the prize so that we too can build something that will endure long after we are gone.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1a).
Lord, cleanse me from the physical and clothe me with the spiritual. I want to build a lasting legacy, not a temporary dwelling. Show me what that looks like day by day. Help me be a vessel that you can use for noble purposes. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer. Amen
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