MondayMorningMinute::Leaving a legacy

Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - Micah Fries

Last night we honored the memory of Dr. Jones with a moving memorial service that was attended by hundreds. As I sat and listened to each of the men chosen by the family to share about Dr. Jones and his life I couldn't help but be impacted by the legacy of godliness and faithfulness that he has left behind. What's more, as I have interacted with Joann, and his three daughters, I continue to be amazed at their godliness as well. Their quiet trust in God during this incredibly trying time affirms, again, his legacy of faith in God as he led his family. 

As I was thinking through these things I was also struck with a few thoughts about my own legacy. What if something happened to my life and I was gone by tonight? James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." None of us has any confidence that we will see tomorrow. What we do have is right now. As I meditated on that thought, and on the life of Dr. Jones, I became even more convinced than ever of the need to redouble my efforts to live a godly life that reflects well on the character of our great God.

As I said at the close of the service, there are many traits about Dr. Jones that I could accurately recall, but the one that stands the tallest in my mind is his faithfulness. I pray that God will supply me with strength to walk through life each day living every moment faithfully in service to Christ as if it were my last.

So, what about you? How has Dr. Jones' life impacted you?

4 comments (Add your own)

1. Keith Goeking wrote:
Sadly, we were out of town when Dr. Jones died, and for his memorial service as well. These words are simply an outline of my thoughts on Dr. Jones. I appreciated Dr. Jones for:

1. Demonstrating in his life a trust in God throughout much suffering and pain. We speak of faith so often with only words, Dr. Jones spoke of faith with his life.

2. Showing us so vividly that retiring is never an option in God's Kingdom. We may retire from our regular work, but we ought never to retire from serving God, ministering to others, and growing in our walk with God. Dr. Jones never retired and his example lives for us.

3. Finishing well. We cannot know the character of our faith until the end of life. How we finish leaves a lasting impression on all who are left behind, and gives an eternal testimony to our faith in God. Dr. Jones finished well and showed us that it can be done through the power of God in our lives.

4. Renewing in me the desire to go to Israel. While I had wanted to visit Israel in years past, I had buried that desire, but through his "Let's take a trip" pictures and talks, he rekindled that desire, and Jane and I went to Israel in May, a trip we will never forget.

I too have pondered my legacy. I pray God will not let me fade away as an old soldier, but serve him to the end.

Keith

July 2, 2008 @ 7:17 AM

2. Jim Smith wrote:
I first came under the teaching of Dr. Jones at First Baptist Church in Defiance, Ohio back in 1973. I was a new Christian and having attended a rather liberal church up until then I was introduced to a new kind of preaching/teaching provided by Dr. Jones. His expository teaching was a real shot in the arm for me as a "babe in Christ". It has influenced me ever since.
I want to express my condolences to Joann, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dr. Jones will be missed by many but remembered by many as well. I look forward with you to seeing him again in heaven. In Christ's love, Jim

July 11, 2008 @ 8:55 AM

3. Jan Evans wrote:
I had the privilege of working for Dr. Jones for the 14 months he was an interim here at Frederick Boulevard. His kindness was abundant and we all loved his sharp wit and sense of humor. I learned much from his sermons and story-telling as well as his "Let's Take a Trip" moments. I, many times, would get a little deeper explanation of those pictures as each week he would bring in slides that I would get developed into pictures to be able to be used in the worship services. I treasure those times of teaching and sharing. He came into the office on Friday mornings and did some of his work but rarely would he come without stopping by Dunkin' Donuts first for treats for the office. We dare not turn down these offerings that he loved so very much for fear we would hurt his feelings. He was an inspiration to all of us and we will miss him greatly!

July 16, 2008 @ 8:47 AM

4. Virginia Winder wrote:
Everytime I think of Dr. Jones the word that immediately comes to my mind is...FAITHFUL! What a testimony. Obviously, the word "retirement" never crossed his mind, if so he politely dismissed it. He definitely lived out Philippians 4:13. We're thankful, that Dr. Jones ministered at FBBC. He practiced what he preached.

July 17, 2008 @ 2:04 PM

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