Have you ever wondered why the diamond became the traditional engagement ring? It began in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave one to his betrothed and it caught on.
The choice makes sense. The diamond’s beauty, rarity, and strength reflect the qualities we all want in our marriages. We give diamonds because they have long-term value. They make an impact that lasts. At least in this life.
Believers can give spiritual “diamonds” to the loved ones in our lives. These faith jewels have value that will last into eternity.
In this last post of the series on leaving a spiritual legacy, we’ll explore four “diamonds” from the book of Ephesians that will encourage your loved ones to embrace faith in Christ. You can purposefully pass these precious characteristics down to the next generation.
Four Faith Diamonds to Mine and Give
- Adopt a new attitude (Ephesians 4:2-3) – A Christ-like attitude promotes unity and intimacy in all our relationships. When we adopt Christ’s humility, gentleness, patience, and concern for others we will stand out like a rare gem!
- Get Growing (Ephesians 4:11-16) – The more we learn about Christ and grow in our relationship with Him, the more we will have to share with others! Our growth must be intentional. It won’t happen by accident, so dig deep for those jewels!
- Hold Tight to Holy (Ephesians 4:17-24) – The fewer the flaws in a diamond, the more the light can shine through. Impurities in a diamond block the reflection. Similarly, believers contaminated with the stuff of the world are poor reflectors of the light of Christ. But when we rid our lives of sin and embrace God’s call to holiness, our lives will shine brightly, clearly pointing people to Christ.
- Love Lavishly (Ephesians 4:32, 5:1-2) – These verses describe Christian love in action. “Agape” is love of volition, a choice to act in love. It is not based on the worthiness of the one we love. This kind of love in action is a powerful and persuasive message that demonstrates the love of Christ. A choice to love is a choice to share Christ with those who need Him.
Are we giving faith diamonds? Are we purposefully passing down things of eternal value or wasting our time with temporary things of little value? The apostle Paul clearly taught that how we spent our lives will be revealed when Christ returns.
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, NIV
Beginning with the solid foundation of Christ, each believer must choose how to build on our life. Will we use materials of eternal lasting value? Or will we waste our time with the inferior materials of this world that do not last? Our choices will impact the ones that come after us. Will we leave anything of worth behind?
Are you building with diamonds or wood, hay, and stumble? It’s not too late to give things of lasting value. What one change can you make today?
If case you missed the previous posts in this series:
- Building a Rock-Solid Legacy
- 3 Ways to Pass it Down with Purpose
- Be a Rock in Hard times
- They are Watching You!
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