What is a Legacy?
Legacy is more than just what you leave behind in your will. It’s your values, your faith, and the impact you have on the people who come after you. It’s the echo of your life in the lives of others and in the world itself.
Why Does Legacy Matter?
The Bible places great importance on passing down faith, values, and stories to future generations. Leaving a godly legacy isn’t just about personal satisfaction; it’s about honoring God and blessing those who will inherit the world after you’re gone.
What This Article Covers
This article dives into what the Bible says about legacy, offering specific scripture about legacy and practical guidance on how to build a legacy that lasts. We’ll explore how to live a life that not only honors God but also creates a positive and lasting impact on the world around you.
Biblical Legacy: What to Pass On
So, what does it mean to leave a biblical legacy? It’s about more than just money or possessions. It’s about passing on the things that truly matter – faith, values, and a love for God.
Stories of God’s Faithfulness
One of the most important things we can pass on is the story of God’s faithfulness. Psalm 78:4 tells us to share “the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done” with the next generation. Think about the big stories in the Bible: the exodus from Egypt, David’s courage, and, of course, the life and ministry of Jesus. These stories show us God’s character and His unwavering love.
Guiding Truths (by Instruction and Example)
It’s not enough to just tell the stories, though. We also need to teach God’s ways. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges us to diligently teach God’s commands to our children, talking about them “when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” And it’s not just about what we say; it’s about how we live. Integrity, righteousness, and a life guided by God’s commands are essential for a positive legacy.
Opportunity to Serve and Bless Others
Another key aspect of a godly legacy is using our gifts to serve others and advance God’s Kingdom. Modeling generosity and showing kindness are powerful ways to impact future generations. Remember, a godly legacy isn’t limited to our biological children. It can extend to spiritual children, mentees, and our community as a whole.
Generational Blessing
Ultimately, a biblical legacy is about planting seeds of faith that can impact generations long after we’re gone. It’s about focusing on passing on genuine faith in Jesus Christ and living with an eternal perspective, storing up treasures in heaven and building our lives on the solid foundation of Christ.
Key Bible Verses on Building and Leaving a Lasting Legacy
The Bible has a lot to say about how to live a life that matters and leaves a positive mark on the world. Here are a few key verses that speak to the concept of legacy:
Proverbs 13:22 – A Good Person Leaves an Inheritance
This verse tells us, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
This doesn’t just mean money or property. It’s about the values and principles we pass on.
This Proverb encourages us to leave a legacy of righteousness, not just riches.
Psalm 78:4 – Passing on God’s Deeds to the Next Generation
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of sharing our stories of faith with future generations, remembering God’s works, and passing down our beliefs.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Teaching God’s Commands
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
This highlights the importance of integrating faith into our daily lives and constantly communicating our values to our children, instilling those values from a young age.
2 Timothy 1:5 – The Impact of Genuine Faith
2 Timothy 1:5 reminds us, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
This demonstrates the power of a generational legacy of faith, highlighting the impact of a legacy that’s passed down through families.
Proverbs 22:6 – Training Up a Child
Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This emphasizes the importance of early spiritual training and guiding children in the right direction, instilling lasting values that will shape their lives for years to come.
Legacy of Character and Values
Perhaps the most enduring legacy anyone can leave is a legacy of character and values. What do you stand for? What’s important to you? What virtues do you want to be remembered for?
The Fruit of the Spirit
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Cultivating these virtues in your own life and helping others cultivate them, too, is a legacy that will continue to bear fruit long after you’re gone.
When you live out the fruit of the Spirit, you’re modeling Christ-like behavior and leaving a positive impact on everyone around you.
Leading by Example
It’s been said that actions speak louder than words. In 1 Peter 5:3, leaders are encouraged to lead by example, not by lording their power over others. When we model integrity and righteousness in our daily lives, we’re building a legacy that others can emulate.
Living a life of integrity and righteousness may be the most important thing we can do to impact the lives of others.
The eternal perspective on legacy
The Bible encourages believers to think of legacy in terms of eternity, not just in terms of what we leave behind here on earth. What good is a large bank account or a sprawling estate if you haven’t invested in things that matter to God?
Treasures in Heaven
Jesus speaks about this in the book of Matthew, urging his followers to store up “treasures in heaven.” This means we should focus on our spiritual inheritance instead of our material goods.
What does it mean to invest in things of eternal value? It means sharing the gospel, serving those in need, and honoring God with our lives.
Building on the foundation of Christ
The Apostle Paul talks about building on the foundation of Christ. We should be focused on building our relationship with God and sharing our faith with others.
Our lives here on earth are short, but our actions can have a long-term impact if we center our lives on Christ. When we make decisions based on our faith, we’re creating a legacy that will last for generations.
Practical steps to building a godly legacy
Building a legacy isn’t about wealth or fame; it’s about living a life that honors God and positively impacts others. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Nurture your relationship with God
A deep, personal relationship with God is the bedrock of any godly legacy. Make time for prayer, immerse yourself in the Bible, and strive to live in obedience to His Word. This consistent connection will shape your character and guide your actions.
Invest in others
Don’t keep your faith to yourself. Share it! Mentor younger believers, disciple those who are new to the faith, and empower the next generation to rise up and lead. Intentional mentoring is crucial for passing on the baton of faith.
Live generously
God has blessed you with resources – time, talent, and treasure. Use them to bless others and advance His Kingdom. A legacy of generosity speaks volumes about your heart and your values. Give freely, serve wholeheartedly, and leave a mark of compassion on the world.
Share stories of God’s work
The next generation needs to hear about God’s faithfulness. Intentionally share stories of how you’ve seen God working in your life, in your family, and in the lives of others. These stories will inspire faith and encourage them to trust in God’s promises.
Model Christlike character
Your actions speak louder than words. Strive to live a life that reflects the character of Christ – humility, righteousness, integrity, and love. Model obedience to God in every area of your life, and let your light shine brightly for all to see.
Empower future generations
Equip the next generation to serve in God’s harvest. Encourage them to use their gifts and talents for His glory. Provide them with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. Invest in their potential, and watch them flourish as they fulfill their God-given purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biblical concept of legacy?
In the Bible, legacy extends beyond material possessions; it encompasses the spiritual, moral, and relational impact one leaves behind. It’s about passing on faith, values, and a godly example to future generations, influencing their lives for the better and pointing them toward God.
What is an example of a good legacy in the Bible?
David is a great example. Though imperfect, David’s legacy is one of a man after God’s own heart. His faith, repentance, and desire to build a temple for God (even though he wasn’t permitted) left a lasting impact on Israel’s spiritual identity and foreshadowed the coming Messiah.
What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:22?
Proverbs 13:22 states: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” This verse emphasizes that a righteous person not only provides for their immediate family but also considers future generations, creating a sustainable legacy of blessing and provision.
What is Ephesians 1:11?
Ephesians 1:11 says, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” This verse speaks to God’s overarching plan and purpose for our lives. Our legacy, in a sense, is intertwined with God’s grand design, and we are called to live in alignment with His will to leave a lasting impact for His glory. It means our legacy should be pointing others to Him.
Conclusion
The Enduring Impact of a Godly Legacy
A true legacy isn’t about what we achieve for ourselves, but how we impact others and the generations that follow us. It’s about leaving a mark that lasts for eternity through our faith, our values, and our service to God and our fellow human beings. The scriptures remind us that what matters most is loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Reflecting on Your Legacy
We should all be intentional about the legacy we leave behind. What impact do we want to have on those around us? What values do we want to pass on? How can we make a real difference in the lives of others, pointing them toward Christ?
Encouragement to Start Today
It’s never too late to start building a legacy that glorifies God and blesses future generations. Start today by nurturing your relationship with God, seeking His guidance in all things, and investing in the lives of those around you. Let your actions speak louder than your words, and let your life be a testament to the love and grace of God.