1 Chronicles 2:7, "And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed."

The word "legacy" is defined as something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation or time.  In today's verse we are reminded in this extended genealogy of the sin of Achar (Achan).  He is remembered in this genealogy as "the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed."

The story of Achan's sin can be read in Joshua 7, as we remember his transgression of God's commandment concerning the spoils of Jericho.  God corporately judged Israel for this man's sin, he did indeed trouble Israel, not only did he bring defeat to Israel in their initial attempt to overthrow Ai, but he caused the death's of men who had nothing to do with his sin, but were impacted by it through corporate association.  

We either help or hurt the cause of Christ and His church.  Is my and the cause of Christ stronger or weaker because of me?  I must examine my heart, my motivations, my actions, my interactions, my service, my worship, my financial contributions, my attendance etc., to determine if I am helping or hurting the cause of Christ where I corporately interact with other brothers and sisters in Christ. To apply today's verse to myself I would hate for my legacy to be: Pastor was the troubler of his church because he transgressed in the thing accursed. God's curse is upon any and all sin. 

May we all examine ourselves today, and make sure we are careful that our legacy isn't like that of Achan's the son of Carmi.  I want my legacy to be positive because I am not only Mike the son of Clarence Abbott, but I am Mike the child of God!

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.  What might your legacy be?  Is it something that can change?

2.  Do you understand the importance of your testimony among your family?  How are guarding your testimony?

3.  What do you do to be a blessing in your church and others?