We all want to live a life worth remembering. It’s safe to say that each of us wants to pass something of value on to the next generation, as well as the generations that follow. Legacy isn’t about leaving something of earthly value, but instead leaving something that lasts, that makes an impact, and that changes lives.
We’re going to discuss 5 ways to leave a biblical legacy to your loved ones, and how you can shape and change the hearts of more than just those closest to you.
But first…
What Is a Biblical Legacy?
A biblical legacy is one that leaves something of value, that matters, and that is eternal. A biblical legacy teaches and seeks God’s ways, serves others, and sows seeds of faith for the next generation to harvest.
The dictionary defines legacy as “an amount of money or property left to someone in a will… a bequest, inheritance, heritage, endowment, gift, patrimony, settlement, birthright, or benefaction.”
But isn’t this selling the biblical definition short? For those in the Body of Christ, we understand that leaving a legacy is not simply passing on something of value today that can be used up in the next generation. Instead, it is something passed down, built upon, used for good, and utilized to further God’s Kingdom.
Let’s look at 5 practical and applicable ways to leave a biblical legacy…
1. Teaching
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16-17
One of the most powerful ways to leave a biblical legacy is to teach your children and grandchildren about:
- God’s character
- God’s ways
- God’s plans for you, your children, and God’s people
All of these are accomplished by studying and teaching God’s Word.
The Bible says God’s ways are always good. He is pure, righteous, just, and merciful. The Word also tells us that God’s plans for all of us are to grow in relationship with Him, to serve others, and to meet others’ needs so that more will come to know Him.
He also tells us that He has plans for us and Israel. His plan is complete restoration and revival for the land and her people. The Bible says that, in the future, Jesus’ feet will walk in Israel and stand on the Mount of Olives…
“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.”—Zechariah 14:4
2. Serving
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:4
“… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in…”—Matthew 25:35
Why does God want us to serve? To build each other up, encourage each other, and show His love to the world. He does not turn a blind eye when we serve. He remembers our gracious and humble hearts as we help those in need.
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”—Hebrews 6:10
3. Loving
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”—1 John 4:10-11
The Bible says God is love. Therefore, when we express love to others, it is an expression of Him. When our children and grandchildren watch us express loving kindness beyond our family and friends to strangers in need, it makes a lasting impression on their hearts.
It is living out the Word of God and demonstrates strength and trust. Children who observe this kind of faith pass it on.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”—Proverbs 22:6
4. Seeking
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33
When we seek Him and pray for His will, we are seeking His Kingdom. We can trust His faithfulness. Just as His word says, He reestablished the nation of Israel and longs to use us to continue her restoration.
We are to also pray for the peace of Jerusalem, aligning ourselves with the nation of Israel, and blessings will flow.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.’
For the sake of my brethren and companions,
I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.’
Because of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.”—Psalm 122:6-9
5. Sowing
“There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”—Proverbs 11:24-25
Over and over again we read in the Bible the principle of reaping what you sow. When you give, you get. Cultures all over the world understand this principle. However, we should not give to get, but rather understand that when we sow where God prompts us, we can trust His faithfulness to provide our every need.
In review…
These 5 legacy-leaving practices are ways you can sow seeds into the hearts of your family. And these principles go beyond your immediate family. Have you ever thought about sowing a physical seed into the soil of the Promised Land? When you sponsor a tree through My Olive Tree, that is exactly what you are doing.
Sponsoring a tree with your children or grandchildren, and at the same time talking about the 5 principles above, is the ultimate object lesson that reveals your faithfulness and dedication to the Lord and His work.
What will you do with the knowledge and wisdom you now have?
If you want to leave a legacy that outlives you and produces a literal harvest for hundreds of years, an olive tree is a perfect biblical legacy investment.
With its average life span lasting more than 500 years, it blesses farmers, soldiers, and Holocaust survivors in Israel harvest after harvest.
Deciding to sponsor an olive tree with your family opens doors to discuss God’s plan for your children’s lives and God’s ultimate gift of salvation through the True Vine—Jesus!