The Celtic Revival: Age of the Peregrini (9)

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 death of Dorcas to be most poignant. The tears of those widows – lonely women loved, cared for, and clothed by one whose primary claim to fame was her ability with a needle – is a testimony to the power of good works. In the garments she made and shared, Dorcas left behind tangible and ongoing testimonies of her love for her friends, and she would be sorely missed.

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 throughout his lifetime. His passing left a void in the lives of all who knew him, yet his legacy continued for many years, as the ministry he began expanded from Iona to Lindisfarne and beyond.

Doing good to others is an important part of the work of our Personal Mission Fields. It’s how we demonstrate the reality of Jesus, risen from the dead and living in us. Our witness for Christ consists primarily in being His witnesses. And this calling we fulfill as the character of Christ is formed in us and comes through us in all manner of everyday good works (Jn. 7.37-39).

Whether our good works are humble and small-scale, like the works of 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 for the future. Every encounter with another person provides an opportunity to 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 never reaching 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. 

Colum Cille built his legacy every day of his life, leading his companions in ministry, caring for the needs of those around him, and bringing the Word of God to everyone he met. He was consistent in doing good works and sincere in his desire to bring glory to Christ. And his work lived on after him in the lives of those he touched.

We’re all constructing 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 building? What of Jesus will others recall because you showed Him to them?

Today, what will you contribute to those whose lives and souls you will brush against? Your Personal Mission Field consists of the places to which God sends you each day, together with the people you encounter there. Prepare each day to go out into your Personal Mission Field to sow good words and cultivate 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 Personal Mission Fields, 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 knit our legacy deliberately, gradually, and with specific people in mind. And like Colum, we prepare our legacy of leading, caring, and teaching as we work our Personal Mission Field day by day.

Today, let it be your intention to build a legacy of love as the hallmark of your Personal Mission Field.

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.

Lord, give me love for You and for my neighbor, that holy actions may issue from me to …

Personal Mission Field
You’ll be more likely to spread the love of Jesus throughout your Personal Mission Field if you have mapped out and are continuously aware of the people to whom God sends you each day. Watch this brief video, then download the Personal Mission Field worksheet, and begin building a legacy of love with the people God has put in your life.

Thank you for your prayers and support.
Our hearts overflow with gratitude for your friendship, support, and collaboration in this work. God supplies our needs as we look to Him day by day, and He may be pleased to do so, at least in part, through you. Please seek Him in prayer concerning this matter. You can use the Contribute button at the website to give with a credit card or through PayPal, or you can send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction VT 05452.

T. M. Moore
Principal
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All psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.