A few years ago, I wrote my parents' memoirs for their grandchildren, who were teenagers at the time.
It covered their marriage in the 1960s until my siblings and I left for college.
I wanted to show the grandkids how life was growing up on a farm in rural America.
I wanted them to know their grandparents and parents were raised to live godly lives led by Biblical principles.
Plain and simple, I wanted the kids to know their legacy.
What legacy are you leaving?
What are you doing now that will impact others down the road for Christ?
I’m a writer; I’m partial to putting pen to paper and affecting people with words. But there are many ways to leave a legacy:
Teaching and demonstrating what is required to live a godly life
Passing on the family traditions and stories
Having conversations about what is important in life and the consequences of chasing after the wrong things
Spending quality time to impart valuable life lessons
Mentoring someone in the faith, whether they are family or not
Sharing your experiences of how God has worked in your life
I like to think of life as a book. Our chapters should point the next generation to God.
Your service to God today may inspire others to seek truth and make a commitment to Him.
Do others see the treasures of peace, faith, hope, and perseverance in you regardless of your circumstances?
Matthew 6:20-21 (NKJV)
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Most people think this subject only involves leaving money for their heirs, but it’s so much more.
Take some time today to consider how you would like to leave a legacy to all those (not just relatives) who come behind you.
For other verses on this subject, see Deuteronomy 11:19, Psalm 145:4, Psalm 78:2-4
I have pondered and written about this same topic many times over the years.
Our efforts to pass on a legacy is much like composing a message in a bottle, and committing it to the tender mercies of the ocean. We have expectations of the preservation of this legacy, the response of the recipients, and the benefits of the legacy. Yet, we will not observe the ultimate impact of our legacy; at least not in this life. Discouragement can creep in to sap our strength and resolve to continue these efforts.
Do not forget who we work for! Let us cast such cares upon Him and invite Him to guide our work and to produce the increase, the growth.
1 Corinthians 3:6–7
[6] I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. [7] So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (ESV)
Will He only do this for Abel?
Hebrews 11:4b ...And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
Take heart and work with courage, for it is God at work in you!