The Legacy of a Lifesong

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

A song is nothing more than a story set to music. The words and notes are crafted together to convey a message. Our lives are also a song—a lifesong—with a story written by our Most High God penned to the notes of His choosing, as long as we allow Him to have full creative license.

Do you hear the music of your lifesong playing? Is it the music God has written for you, or are you trying your hand at composing?

I heard a measure of my lifesong recently, and realized the danger of taking over rights to His creation. Let me explain: I’ve been slowly reading Marybeth Whalen’s, “For the Write Reason,” and jumped ahead to her instructions for preparing a bio. Originally, I decided I would do this when I finished the book, but I got antsy. A day later, I received a call asking me to write the obituary for a friend’s husband, Matthew*, who recently died after a long battle with cancer. It was a unique collision of circumstances. I was struck by the juxtaposition of writing an obituary for an incredibly godly servant while trying to capture in a few short words a description of myself. The contrast was unnerving: One story was about a life ahead; the other was about a life already lived. One was about determining purpose; the other was about a legacy of servanthood. One was about proving significance; the other was about revealing the character of a man who lived his life for the Lord.

The more research I did on Matthew, the more I learned about his many accomplishments and successful achievements, none of which I ever heard over the past fifteen years of knowing him and his family. I wrestled with the question of whether Matthew wouldn’t even want me to publish those details in his obituary. I kept thinking he would say, “Elisa, don’t tell them about me and my All-American record. No. Tell them about Jesus. Tell them to live their lives in a way that self is put last, setting out for the prize of Jesus Christ first. Tell them that they must memorize the definitions of words like perseverance, knowledge, and discipline; that in these words one can find the essence of the Christian faith and instructions on how to live life for Jesus.”

Ultimately, I decided that I must share with others the details of his accomplishments in order to testify to the very character of his real success, not by world’s standards but by God’s. Matthew lived for Jesus. His lifesong was a legacy of service to his Lord. His chorus was, “No thank you. I don’t need that recognition. There are more important needs right before me, as insignificant as they may seem to everyone else.” As a husband, father, teacher, friend, coach, and neighbor—whether in the midst of trials or success—this beloved man continually returned to a philosophy of life founded on Jesus Christ as Lord. He lived the definition of perseverance “to continue to progress toward a goal despite difficulties, obstacles, or fatigue.”

I pray that as I remember Matthew’s lifesong, I will be challenged to consider the choices I make and the chorus I live to sing. Will I humbly serve another or continue to covet affirmation? Will I evaluate my success according to the world, or will I draw closer to the Lord as I flee from temptations? Without a doubt, I have been inspired to trust God to write my lifesong through a simple exercise of writing a bio and a divine appointment of transcribing the lifesong of a brother in Christ.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Heavenly Father, I pray that we will step aside and allow you to compose a lifesong in each of us that is more beautiful, more divine, than anything we can create on our own.

Share your thoughts:
What is your lifesong? Can you hear the melody? What does your chorus sound like? Turn to Jesus. Set your eyes upon Him. Hear the music of His love. Allow Him to be your ultimate Composer.

*Matthew is not this man’s real name, which I changed out of respect for my friend and her family. Plus, he wouldn’t really want you to know who he is anyway!

I hope and pray you can take a moment to listen to the words of “Lifesong” by Casting Crowns. Confess to the Lord your own holding back. Make Him your life.