What Kind of Legacy are You Leaving?

Saturday Morning Devotional

What Kind of Legacy are You Leaving?

I have always enjoyed learning about my family’s history and hearing their stories.  It is so weird to think about it, but all of those pieces have had some sort of an affect on who we are today.  The choices we make and the examples we set for others is part of our legacy. Think about it and ask yourself what kind of legacy are you leaving for your family?

The Bible is full of examples of this, as we see in the genealogies and stories throughout the Bible.  These are the legacies that not only affected generations in the Bible, but they still shape us even now.

Biblical Legacies

You can find evidence of legacies on almost every page of the Bible.  One very obvious place is in the lists of genealogies.  I used to scan over these areas in the Bible until one day I found a few nuggets mixed in with the names.  Ever since that time, I try to read them a little more closely – I don’t try to pronounce the names in my head but just catch the content.

My parents got me the neatest picture from a friend of theirs who was having an estate sale.  It is a genealogical chart from Adam to Jesus.  Just think of all the stories and lessons passed down from these generations that we still hold on to today!

Ruth’s Family Legacy

Ruth was a widow who was also a foreigner.  If you have never read her story, I highly encourage it.  Through a series of events, you can see Ruth’s true character shine.  In the end, she was married to a fine upstanding man and had a family.  

“All the people who were at the city gate, including the elders, said, ‘We are witnesses.  May the Lord make the woman who is entering your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel.  May you be powerful in Ephrathah and your name well known in Bethlehem.’”
Ruth 4:11

Ruth is also listed in Jesus’ genealogy!

“Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse,
And Jesse fathered King David,…”
Matthew 1:5-6a

Because of her loyalty and outstanding character, we still read about her today, and she had a part in Jesus’ lineage.  What a legacy!

What kind of legacy are you leaving?

Timothy’s Family Legacy

There are other names in the Bible that stand out as leaving a legacy.  Take Timothy and his family for example.  The Bible says:

“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.”
2 Timothy 1:5

It is very clear that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a large impact on Timothy’s faith walk.  Timothy went on to be a great leader in the Church.  The Lord still uses Timothy’s life to encourage and teach us today.  What a legacy! 

What kind of legacy are you leaving?

A Legacy Message from the Superintendent

At the end of May, we had an awards ceremony for some of our seniors, and the superintendent of our district, Mrs. Sharon Boothe spoke to them about their legacy.  It was really powerful!  Here is part of what she shared:

Definition of Legacy

“The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past of a person’s life”

Current Examples

“McDonalds, Abercrombie & Fitch, Armani, Baskin Robbins, Chrysler, Fisher Price, Hilton, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kraft, Marriott, and Walgreens – Did you know that they are all people’s last names?”

Her Legacy Message

“Now is the time to be intentional about what you are going to put your name on as you leave school.”

“A legacy is something you pass down; it is your mark; it is your footprint; it is your contribution to the world. You are leaving a legacy if you like it or not.  Are you going to be intentional about the legacy you leave, or are you going to just take what is passed down?”

Her Challenge

“I challenge you to focus on how you finish.  Don’t forget the past challenges, but grow from them.  Rise up and be intentional.”

Closing Remarks

“Legacy is built now but experienced later.  Build your life now, and what you build now, you will reap later.”
Sharon Boothe

It is true that we are leaving a legacy whether we know it or not, whether we try or not, and whether it is positive or not.  Now is the time to be intentional with our influence, character, and actions.  Then we will know what kind of legacy we are leaving.

Song

If anything says ‘legacy,’ it is this song! Remember that our little ones are watching and imitating us! Listen to “I Want To Be Just Like You” by Phillips, Craig, & Dean.

Quotes

Related Posts

I found a beautiful article that I truly hope you will take the time to read. It is entitled, “The Shoulders We Stand On: Your Legacy of Faith.” It is beautiful!

I would like to share the first post I wrote for this blog. It tells how the name “Home With Grace and Joy” came to be. It is all based on the legacy my mom and grandmother continue to leave on this world. See “Get to Know Home With Grace and Joy” here.

I hope you are all intentional about leaving a legacy. Please share in the comments about people who have left a positive legacy in your life. I would love to hear, and be sure to check back on Wednesday. I am sharing 9 fun ways to pass your family history down to the next generation. Lots of fun!

If you have enjoyed this post, I would love to have you join us. Subscribe below to receive posts and updates.

Until next week…

Have a Grace & Joy-Filled day!

Susan

.

Most Recent Posts

• Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter Three
• Top Travel Tips and Tricks (2024)
• Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter Two
• Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter One
• Life Applications and Lessons in the Book of Mark

disclosure: affiliate links are used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19