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One
of the most graphic illustrations of the demise of Saddam Hussein's empire was
the pulling down of numerous statues and edifices. TV covered some of the events
live. The man had a country-sized ego that was massaged by seeing images of himself
everywhere he went. It is said that he thought himself Nebuchadnezzar reincarnated,
who was also given to setting up self-aggrandizing images.
What a legacy! Temporary stone carvings and a people ruthlessly held
down, sometimes murdered and mercilessly tortured, is Saddam's claim to fame.
He will always be remembered for how bad he was, regardless of any good done.
Contrast Saddam with Nehemiah of the Bible. He went before the most
powerful man on earth and asked leave of service to rebuild a wall in a far off
land. Nehemiah reestablished order, inspired the people, and defeated several
enemies by using wisdom and honorable tactics.
But for all of his accomplishments, Nehemiah prayed, "Remember me
for this, O my God... (that) which I have performed for the house of my God, and
its services" (v. 14). Nehemiah saw his role in restoring faith and its practice
in Israel as being his crowning achievement.
What would you like to be remembered for? What are you doing with
your life that will truly last?
All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
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~ Legacy
