Finding Purpose in ObscurityExemplo

Onesiphorus – Finding A Legacy in Obscurity

David Brooks opens his monumental book The Road to Character with an in-depth look at what he calls “résumé virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” We have been culturally conditioned to believe that our legacy is the sum of our “résumé virtues.” In other words, we believe our significance lies in what we do. But Brooks—and the Scriptures—focus far more often on the marks of who we become. These are our “eulogy virtues”—the things people say about us when we die.

What will people say about you when you’re no longer here?

It may feel like a morbid thought, but it’s important to meditate on this immensely. We become what we do, for better or for worse.

The reality is, the level of our influence isn’t up to us. Many achieve fame and fortune literally instantly via a viral TikTok video or lottery-like luck. Many others work tirelessly in obscurity and are not recognized for many decades of faithfulness. There’s no formula to fame. But there is a formula to significance. And it lies in who we become.

The fact of the matter is that the apostle Paul is an extremely famous person. He lived over 2,000 years ago, and yet we still talk about him often. I think we can all agree that Paul is a pretty public figure.

But have you ever thought about who may have been Paul . . . to Paul? In other words, have you ever thought about the influencer that influenced the influencer? The mentor, the sage, the wise head who poured into and invested in Paul?

Paul names one of those people in 1 Timothy 1. A whole two verses are devoted to a man who “refreshed” Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome.

His name is Onesiphorus.

Paul comments that, “[Onesiphorus] often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me” (2 Timothy 1:16-17, NIV).

We all need people in our lives who will pursue us and pour into us. Onesiphorus was that person for Paul.

I hope today, as you dream about the trail that God has called you to blaze, that you picture who God might want you to bring along with you. A trail is just a trail if it’s travelled alone. However, the trail becomes a path if others follow behind. God has instilled within you a unique calling—a calling that has the potential to not just accomplish a lot, but to influence many.

So, blaze the trail, but do so knowing your legacy is on the line and that others are watching.

Learn more about the book Trailblazers by Micah E. Davis by visiting micahedavis.com.