When you think of how you want to be remembered, what is the first thing you think of? What is most important to you and does your life reflect that?
We recently lost my father-in-law and legacy was something that was talked about a lot. He was remembered for being a solid Christ-follower, a wonderful father to 7 children and someone always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
The thing is, we will all leave a legacy and be remembered in some way, but how depends on what we do with our lives. Our choices today shape the legacy we leave for the generations that will come. “How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.” Psalm 112:1-2
A Godly legacy begins in our hearts and in what we place importance on. Each day we add to our legacy. We must be intentional if we want to leave a Godly heritage and legacy for our family. What choices do you need to make today to put that in place? What do you want your children to “catch” from you. You know the old saying “more is caught than taught”. And we teach best by modeling what we want our children to do.
We need to be the example of the character traits we would like to develop in our children. If we want our children to be honest, then we need to be honest. If we want them to be others-centered instead of self-centered, then we need to model that. If we want them to have an passionate relationship with Jesus, we must show them what that looks like in our own lives. We have tremendous influence simply by the way we live our lives out in front of them.
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Proverbs 13:22: “This verse keeps our life goals, our vision and our legacy front and center when we’re choosing how to use our money today. And an inheritance is not limited to money. It also includes godly character qualities like integrity and trustworthiness. Combining a financial inheritance with wisdom and godliness ensures that the next generation will also manage God’s blessings God’s way for God’s glory long after I’ve graduated to heaven,” shares Chris Brown in 3 Bible Verses that Will Help You Leave a Legacy.
So the truth is, we will all pass something on to our children and grandchildren…the question is, what?
