New Reminders: Legacy

Noah Benshea authored the international best-selling series about Jacob the Baker, who offers sage wisdom as a humble bread maker. Benshea stated, "Do not kiss your children so they will kiss you back, but so they will kiss their children." True legacy spans generations because it's both selfless and timeless. Guideposts, October 2005, p.30.

A person’s legacy is the long-lasting impact of actions and events that took place during that person’s life. As we age and start to come to grips with our own mortality, we can’t help contemplating what our legacy might be. Will we be remembered as a complainer, a grouch, and a self-absorbed looser, or as a happy, generous, and loving spirit who was well liked and appreciated? Will we leave behind evidence of positive accomplishments, or evidence of a miserly fool?

We might think it would be nice to be able to pass down a small fortune to help our children and grandchildren have an easier life, free from financial worries, but we realize that it is even more important to leave behind the knowledge of how to manage their lives well including how to manage physical, emotional and financial hardships. No matter how much money our children might inherit, it will not guarantee their happiness. Instilling a foundation of healthy attitudes and Christian values will serve them much better in the long run.

The Bible defines legacy not as material wealth, but as spiritual influence, character, and godly impact on future generations. This includes passing down faith, living generously, and building a foundation on God’s Word. A lasting legacy is built on prioritizing people and good deeds over temporary earthly achievements.

Proverbs 13:22 says: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.” This verse emphasizes that a righteous person lives with good management skills, creating a lasting financial and spiritual legacy for future generations, while the wealth amassed by the wicked is eventually transferred to the righteous. It promotes stewardship, long-term planning, and the belief that integrity wins over dishonest gain.

Timothy 4:7-8 features the Apostle Paul’s final reflection: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness..." Written from a Roman prison, Paul expresses confidence in his faithful service and anticipates a reward from God. He has fulfilled his calling and completed his purpose. He remained faithful to the truth and did not abandon his trust in Jesus. Paul anticipates a, reward or prize of eternal life given by God. These verses are often interpreted as a charge to believers to live faithfully until death, focusing on endurance and the hope of heaven.