I can remember being asked as a boy, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Not many people ask me that question today. Today I read a verse that describes what I want to be when I grow up. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).
I want to be a man that is fruitful all the way through my life. I am not looking to earn more money, or get a faster car, or live in a bigger house. I want my life to count for God. I talk on the phone every week with a friend of mine from the past. We read a book together; talk about what we read; and pray together. One of the things my friend regularly prays is that we will influence the people God brings across our path that day. This is the essence of this verse in Psalm 1.
God has given each of us one life to live. I believe God has placed us on this earth to influence others. I have recently been reminded of the importance of the people who have come into my life. I think about how people have impacted me through the course of my life. Some have no idea that they impacted me; while others were very deliberate in their time with me. Some things might seem insignificant to you, but they have shaped the way I am living today. Many of these things have influenced the way we raised our children.
There are certain things that will be like leaves that will not wither and die in our lives. I know that there are certain things that are generational, but there are other things that will remain true forever. One thing that has been passed on to me is the desire to be in the Word of God every day of my life. Not in sermon preparation, but at the dinner table. I want to open my Bible every day with my fork and knife in my hand, ready to eat what God has placed before me.
A love for souls is something that will last far beyond my life. I have a grandfather that loved the souls of men. He passed that love on to me. Here is the interesting thing … I have never met my grandfather. He died when my mother was twelve years old. However, his love for lost people was passed through generations to me. My grandfathers love for people has lived far beyond his life. Today consider the things that you are passing on to those who will cross your path. Will the fruit of your life outlive you? Will others for generations to come be influenced for Christ by your life?