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When you think of the word "legacy," what comes to mind? For some, it’s about material inheritance. For others, it’s the impact they’ve had on the world or the love they’ve shared with family and friends. But as believers, our legacy is about something even greater: what we leave behind spiritually.
Psalm 145:4 says, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” What kind of spiritual impact are we making on those around us and those who will come after us?
Today, we’ll unpack this idea of legacy, looking at biblical examples and practical ways to create a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.
What does it mean to leave a godly legacy, and why does it matter?
Proverbs 13:22 says, “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly."
Legacy is more than material possessions; it’s about spiritual and relational impact. A godly legacy includes faith, values, and character.
My grandparents—all four of them—were amazing people to look to, and they all left an amazing legacy. They were all followers of God, and they set great examples in faith, study, and prayer. I will hold on to what they taught me all my days.
At home, when my daughter was a few years younger, I have a picture of her sitting at our table outside. She had come out onto our back patio to sit with me as I did my devotional. She brought out her devotional and notebook, and I immediately thought about how important it was for her to see me in my walk with the Lord so she could then learn and grow in her relationship with Him.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family and community?
Psalm 78:4 says, "We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders."
There is an importance to sharing faith stories with future generations. If we aren’t sharing the gospel with others, then we aren’t doing what the Lord called each of us to do. Jesus even said to let the little children come to Him, for He knew how important it was for all to hear the Good News.
Some practical examples of passing down faith include prayer (teaching the younger generation how God works through it), sharing our testimonies (demonstrating God’s love for us), and traditions (building connections through Christ-centered practices).
How can you intentionally share your faith with the next generation?
Proverbs 13:22 highlights the value of leaving a lasting inheritance for future generations. Psalm 78:4 calls us to pass down the stories of God’s works and His faithfulness so the next generation will know Him. Together, these verses emphasize the importance of a spiritual inheritance—sharing our faith and God’s truths to leave a legacy that impacts hearts and lives for generations to come.
This is good and thought-provoking. Reflect on how our daily choices shape our legacy. I often try to be aware of my choices because I want to make sure that, as a Christ follower, I’m showing it. When I think about it that way, I might be even more careful in my decisions.
A godly legacy is built one faithful choice at a time. When we focus on God while making choices, we are guided by Him and not our own desires.
Learning from the legacies of biblical figures
2 Timothy 1:5 says, "I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you."
This verse highlights the legacy of faith passed down from Lois to Eunice to Timothy.
As I look back on my life, and now as I watch my kids grow up, I can see how much influence adults have on us. It truly impacts how we act, talk, and treat others. There is power in generational impact. When we do our best to follow the Lord, we need to be mindful that others are watching us—how we handle difficulties and praise the Lord in all things. That makes a great impact.
Who in your life has passed down a legacy of faith to you, and how can you continue it?
Abraham’s legacy of obedience and trust in God’s promises
Genesis 12:2-3 says, "I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."
As we can see through this Bible story, our obedience today can impact future generations. Abraham’s obedience set the tone for so many future events. For example, the tribes of Israel wouldn’t be as God said they would be without his faithfulness.
It wasn’t a smooth transition, as we read in the Bible, but it still happened as the Lord said it would.
There are times when we are called to share the Good News and what God has done for us. It will not always be smooth, but we will be doing as the Lord called us to do, and in that, we are obedient.
2 Timothy 1:5 reflects on the sincere faith passed down to Timothy through his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, showing the power of generational faith. Genesis 12:2-3 reveals God’s promise to Abraham that through his obedience, all nations would be blessed. Together, these verses highlight the generational impact of faith and obedience, reminding us that our trust in God and faithful actions can leave a lasting legacy that blesses others.
The impact my grandparents left on me will forever stay with me.
If you haven’t, I encourage you to consider your role in shaping a spiritual legacy. A godly legacy begins with a heart surrendered to God.
We should think about how to create a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.
Matthew 6:20-21 says, "Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."
We are to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary achievements. This is because we cannot take earthly treasures with us to Heaven, but because our spirits live on in Heaven, we can take our relationship and faith in the Lord with us.
A practical tip to create a lasting impact is to invest in relationships and spiritual growth. Get into a community, work on those relationships, and grow together by pointing each other to Christ.
What are you doing today to store up treasures in Heaven?
Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ."
This means to live with purpose in every area of life. Work willingly because God has placed us where we are for a reason.
What we do daily is a part of our legacy. When we do it with a joyful heart, knowing that God is working through us, others notice. In that, we leave a legacy by honoring God in all things.
How can you honor God in your work and relationships today?
Matthew 6:20-21 encourages us to store up treasures in Heaven, reminding us that our hearts will follow what we value most. Colossians 3:23-24 calls us to work wholeheartedly for the Lord, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from Him. Together, these verses emphasize living with an eternal perspective and purpose, focusing our efforts and desires on what glorifies God and lasts forever.
As you think about your legacy, I want to challenge you to start building it today. Reflect on your life, see what needs to change, and ask the Lord to guide you in leaving a legacy that leads others to Him.
Your legacy is shaped by how you live each moment for Christ.
I hope you’ve been encouraged to think about the legacy you’re building.
Psalm 145:4 reminds us, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”
Let’s commit to leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and obedience to God. Let’s be intentional about living lives that point others to Christ.