Real Hope: History MakersSample

Having Endless Impact

In many ways, life is so short and fleeting. When we realise how finite our time on earth is, it can motivate us to use it well, or deflate us as we ponder the smallness of our limited life.

What we have to remember, though, is that the significance of our life isn’t defined only by how long it is and what we might accomplish, but in part, it’s defined by its connection to all those who have come before and the ones who will come afterwards.

In Hebrews, it’s our awareness of this that’s meant to enable us to shake off sin and push ahead in our purpose.

In the passage leading into Hebrews 12, this ‘therefore’ attitude comes off the back of a list of great people of faith who lived their lives in ultimate obedience to, and belief in, God. Their examples are legendary – they’re held in great esteem within the Christian faith – and yet the Bible says that ‘none of them received what was promised’ in their lifetime (Hebrews 11:39).

Do you think that makes their example less potent? Are their lives less meaningful? Not at all. What each of those ‘heroes of faith’ did has rolled on into the future as it inspires and educates us. Our lives may be limited, but their impact is not--when we realise the cohort of believers we’re taking the mantle from, and those who’ll be shaped down the line by how we live today.

Written by LAURA BENNETT