Leaving a Legacy

"Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth passes to the godly." - Proverbs 13:22 (NLT)

Over the past weeks, we've been exploring aspects that influence our decisions about money, namely our money scripts, the importance of financial resilience, the intertwining emotions & money, and the pursuit of prosperity.  The central aim of this series was to inspire us to redefine our views on money, embracing it as a tool given by God that can be used for His Kingdom. Today, we focus on leaving a legacy!

Leaving a legacy isn't about fleeting fame or personal glory. It's about making a lasting impact through our actions that people will remember, learn, and benefit from, even when we're not around. As Jim Rohn said, "All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine."

With three fundamental actions, we can create a meaningful legacy.

Proverbs 13:22 encourages us to lay the groundwork for the legacy we want to leave behind. There's no perfect moment or condition to start; the right time is always now. By starting today with whatever resources we have, we lay the foundation for a legacy rooted in goodness, integrity, and wisdom.  Seeds sown today become the fruit of tomorrow's legacy. Stop waiting for the perfect conditions, and start planning your legacy today.

The Proverb tells us that a good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children. This encapsulates the essence of long-term thinking. Our actions today should not just be about our comfort but the comfort and security of future generations. Think long-term by embracing habits today that benefit both the present and the future.   Alongside financial wealth, it is crucial to impart moral values and financial literacy to future generations to manage their inheritance wisely.

The proverb underscores that "a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." This reminds us that the method of acquiring our wealth is as vital as the wealth itself. In other words, the principles we live by should be the ones we want to pass on.  Living what you want to leave means embodying the principles and values you want to be remembered for—integrity, wisdom, and wise stewardship should reflect in your daily actions.

Our ultimate legacy inspiration comes from Jesus Christ Himself. In Hebrews 12:2, we're reminded to look to Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame. Jesus' life represents a legacy of sacrifice and love, and we are called to mirror this legacy in every aspect of our lives, including our financial lives.

So, we are faced with this gospel challenge: Our money management and resources can either testify to our faith or contradict it. How we manage our lives can either be a blessing or a curse to our children's children.  As we journey towards leaving a legacy, let us turn our eyes unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, seeking His wisdom and guidance at every step.