Leaving A Legacy – Part Four

“The memory of the righteous is blessed.” Proverbs 10:7

In previous blogs, we have learned that:

1.    Everyone leaves a legacy.

2.    Everyone has been left a legacy.

3.    A legacy can be either positive or negative.

4.    The legacy you received is not as important as the legacy you leave.

5.    The legacy you received can influence the legacy you leave.

6.    The legacy you leave may have more influence than the life you lead.

7.    The life you lead determines the legacy you leave.

Let’s continue.

8.    The most lasting legacies are built on sacrifice, not selfishness.

One of the fundamental teachings of Jesus is living a sacrificial life. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus’ life of love was based on His willingness to be selfless to the point of death on a cross. His selflessness was built upon His attitude of humility.

Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-8, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus was willing to humble Himself to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others. His sacrificial death is a part of His lasting legacy to all those who believe.

9.    The children are a part of your legacy.

The most significant legacy parents leave is flesh and blood. Children may be the greatest legacy anyone could possibly leave.

As I quoted Neil Postman in a previous blog, “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” His quote is all about leaving a legacy through our children.

As we raised our children, I tried to remember that our children were living messages we were sending into a future that we would never see. Now that I am a grandfather of eleven, I take very seriously that I get to help influence grandchildren who are living messages our children are sending into a future they will never see.

Finally, I am most thankful for the fact that legacy leaving is not a solitary endeavor. There are many who help with the enterprise. My wife, my extended family, my church, teachers, coaches, friends and others all play a role. Most of all, I have peace that my ultimate helper in leaving a legacy is Jesus. Thank you, Jesus.

Something to think about…