What does the Bible say about legacy?
When we think of “legacy,” we often think of money or property we leave to our children and grandchildren. But a true legacy is much more than that. It’s the values we instill in our children, the faith we pass down, and the impact we have on the world around us.
It’s about living intentionally and building something that will last long after we’re gone.
The Bible doesn’t use the word “legacy” very often, but the concept of inheritance and heritage is all over the place. From the Old Testament stories of fathers passing down their blessings to their sons to the New Testament emphasis on discipleship, the Bible is clear: We are called to pass on our values and our faith to the next generation.
In this article, we’ll explore some key scripture on legacy to give you a better understanding of what God wants for you and your family. We will also explore some practical steps you can take to build a legacy that will honor God and bless your family for generations to come.
Core Elements of a Biblical Legacy
What does it mean to leave a biblical legacy? It’s more than just leaving behind money or property. A true legacy, according to scripture, is about passing on your faith, values, and a life that reflects God’s love.
Passing on Faith and Values
This is the cornerstone of a biblical legacy. It’s about more than just telling your children about God; it’s about showing them how to live a life centered on Him.
Teaching and Modeling God’s Word
This means actively nurturing your own relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and striving for obedience to His commands. It also means sharing your faith openly and modeling a Christ-like character in your daily life. Your actions speak louder than words.
Intentional Discipleship
It’s not enough to just hope the next generation embraces faith. We must actively and intentionally nurture that faith. As 2 Timothy 2:2 says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” It’s about passing the torch to those who will faithfully carry it forward.
Living a Life of Integrity and Service
A biblical legacy is also about how you live your life. It’s about integrity, service, and using your gifts to bless others.
Good Works and Righteousness
Living a life of integrity and consistently doing good deeds is a powerful way to model Christ-likeness to those around you. It’s about using the talents and abilities God has given you to serve others and make a positive impact on the world.
Generosity and Blessing Others
Your resources – whether time, money, or possessions – are tools to be used to bless others and further God’s Kingdom. Generosity isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s a core component of a faith-filled life. It demonstrates a heart that’s focused on God and others, rather than on material possessions.
The importance of generational faith
The Bible emphasizes that God’s actions extend across generations, with both blessings and consequences rippling through families. It’s a theme that runs throughout scripture.
God’s covenant and future generations
In Isaiah 59:21, God says, “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,’ says the LORD.”
This verse highlights the importance of sharing our faith and God’s word with future generations. It’s a promise that God’s spirit and teachings can continue through families.
Training children in God’s ways
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 instructs us to diligently teach our children about God. Ephesians 6:4 encourages us to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
These verses emphasize the importance of teaching children about God from a young age. It’s about guiding them on a path of faith and providing them with a strong foundation of spiritual understanding.
Leaving a spiritual inheritance
Leaving a legacy is about more than just material possessions. It’s about passing on a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. It’s about praying for spiritual growth, not just for ourselves, but for future generations as well. A spiritual inheritance is a gift that lasts for eternity.
Biblical Examples of Legacy
The Bible is full of examples of people who built a legacy, whether they meant to or not. Here are a few of the most prominent.
Moses and Joshua: Leadership Transition
Moses knew he wouldn’t be the one to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. That’s why he commissioned Joshua to take over after his death, as described in Numbers 27:18-20. Moses knew it was important to empower the next generation to continue God’s work. By passing on the mantle of leadership to Joshua, Moses showed the importance of preparing and entrusting responsibility to those who will follow in your footsteps.
David and Solomon: A Spiritual Dynasty
David left a strong legacy of faith to his son, Solomon. In 1 Chronicles 28:9, David urged Solomon to continue in that faith. David knew the importance of building on the foundations laid by previous generations. David didn’t just tell Solomon to be faithful, though. He actively mentored Solomon and prepared him to lead the nation after David’s death. That shows the importance of mentorship in ensuring the continuation of your spiritual legacy.
Timothy’s Family: A Heritage of Faith
Paul mentions Timothy’s family in 2 Timothy 1:5, noting the legacy of faith that had been passed down to Timothy. That verse highlights the impact that family influence can have on spiritual development. Timothy’s family shows the power of a godly lineage, and how faith can be nurtured and passed down through generations.
Scripture on Financial Stewardship and Legacy
The Bible has a lot to say about money, how we should use it, and how we should think about it. Here are a few key verses that speak to the idea of financial stewardship and the legacy we leave behind.
Contentment and Financial Freedom
A huge part of financial freedom is avoiding debt, and the book of Proverbs speaks to this:
“The borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
Avoiding debt and focusing on God’s purpose for our lives can free us up to live more generously and intentionally.
Another key to financial freedom is simply being content with what we have. As 1 Timothy says:
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Being satisfied with what we have, rather than constantly striving for more, is key to financial peace and to building a lasting legacy.
Generosity and Giving
Jesus encouraged his followers to focus on heavenly, rather than earthly, treasures:
“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21
When we focus on building up spiritual riches rather than material possessions, we’re investing in something that will last for eternity.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of leaving a financial inheritance for future generations:
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” – Proverbs 13:22
A truly good legacy includes both a financial inheritance and the inheritance of godly character qualities.
Providing for Family
Finally, the Bible makes it clear that we have a responsibility to provide for our families:
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:8
Taking care of our families is a fundamental expression of our faith.
Practical Steps to Building a Godly Legacy Today
Okay, so how do we actually build a legacy that honors God? It’s not just about hoping for the best; it’s about intentional action, day in and day out. Here are some practical steps you can take today:
Nurturing Your Relationship with God
- Dive into God’s Word: Seriously, get in there. Read your Bible. Understand what God is saying and how it applies to your life. Don’t just skim; study.
- Pray Like You Mean It: Prayer isn’t a formality; it’s a conversation. Talk to God regularly. Ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength. Listen for His response.
Investing in Others
- Be a Mentor: Intentionally disciple and mentor those around you, especially younger believers. Share your experiences, your wisdom, and your faith.
- Live Your Faith Out Loud: Don’t be shy about your faith. Share your beliefs with others, and more importantly, show them what it means to live a Christlike life. Actions speak louder than words.
Financial Planning and Stewardship
- Budget Like a Boss: Get your finances in order. Use budgeting tools to manage your resources wisely. Stop throwing money away on things you don’t need.
- Ditch the Debt: Avoid debt like the plague. Prioritize long-term financial health. Be a good steward of the resources God has given you.
Living a Life of Obedience
- Walk the Walk: Model a life of obedience to God’s commands. It’s one thing to talk about faith; it’s another thing to live it.
- Practice What You Preach (and Hear): As Philippians 4:9 says, put into practice what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me. Be intentional.
Building a godly legacy isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s about consistently choosing to honor God in every aspect of your life. Start today, and trust that God will use your efforts to create a lasting impact for His kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ephesians 1:11?
Ephesians 1:11 states, “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.” It emphasizes God’s sovereign plan and our inclusion in Christ, which ultimately shapes our purpose and legacy.
What is the biblical concept of legacy?
The biblical concept of legacy extends beyond material wealth. It encompasses the spiritual, moral, and ethical values we pass on to future generations. It’s about living a life that honors God and influences others to do the same, leaving behind a positive impact on individuals and communities.
What does Proverbs 13 verse 22 mean?
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 highlights the importance of responsible stewardship and the lasting impact of righteousness. The “inheritance” isn’t solely about money, but can also include a good name, strong values, and a foundation of faith.
What does the scripture say about legacy?
Scripture emphasizes that a true legacy is rooted in faith, love, and service to others. It encourages us to live lives that reflect God’s character, leaving a positive influence on those around us and future generations. Ultimately, our legacy should point others towards Christ and His eternal kingdom.
Summary
Ultimately, the scriptures show us that a legacy of faith can ripple outwards, influencing generations we’ll never even meet. We’re called to entrust the future, with all its unknowns, to God’s loving care.
When we focus on living according to God’s will and purpose, we’re building a legacy that truly endures. It’s not about grand gestures or worldly achievements, but about the daily choices and actions that reflect our faith. The legacy building starts today, with the way we live, the values we uphold, and the love we share.
We all have the opportunity to build a legacy that honors God and blesses those who come after us. Embrace that opportunity, and let your life be a testament to the enduring power of faith.