Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Grandma Eagle

She left an incredible legacy for all who knew her.

Legacy is often defined as something from the past. Something handed down or that remains from a previous generation. Personal legacy is something of who you are that will be left behind when your life is over. What will remain of your faith, your character and your personhood when this life is over?



When this life is finished we will have left behind a legacy by building Godly character and conduct. Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (NIV) A legacy will be built through Godly character and conduct. Your legacy will be created through the things you say and the actions you perform. Legacy is who you really are, not who you wanted to be. Legacy is the DNA of your spiritual walk with Christ.


This has been a tough week. Yesterday two very special women in my life went home to be with the Lord. One of the ladies is from our congregation. She had suffered for over 20 years with Lupus and was only 62 years old. She was one of the sweetest and most precious ladies I have ever known. She was kind and gentle and always caring about everyone else even when she was suffering so much from pain with the disease in her body. She was always an inspiration to anyone who was with her. She has left behind an incredible legacy of a strong Christian woman who was totally committed and dedicated to her faith. The other very special lady was my grandmother. Grandma has suffered for several years with diabetics and other problems. Yesterday morning the Lord called her home. She was also a tremendous Christian woman dedicated to her faith. She was a pastor's wife and a woman with such a sweet spirit. Many of us are saddened by the losses we are feeling today but both of these ladies are rejoicing with Jesus . They are no longer suffering with pain and agony within their broken bodies. I am so thankful for the legacy of these women and the Godly influence they have had in my life and family.



We often assume that people in the church can do "bad things" and still be "good Christians". Can I be a "good woman" regardless of how I live in my "personal life"? You can't live like the devil Monday through Saturday and expect to have God's blessing on Sunday. How we live our lives, the things we say and do, matters to God. It should matter also to us. We're not just trying to make a good reputation for ourselves. We are building character!


Reputation is what you try to live up too. Character is what you are.

Reputation is what precedes you. Character is what remains after you have gone.


Reputation is made in a moment. Character is built in a lifetime.

Reputation is what men say about you at your funeral. Character is what is said about you before the throne of God.

Reputation is what men think you are. Character is what God knows you to be.



Building Godly character and conduct will give us a legacy we can pass onto our children and our grandchildren. A well built character and conduct will impact generations to come. It is also fair to say that a flawed character can have an equally devastating effect upon future generations.


Each of us are determining every day our destiny and legacy in Christ. Everyone has a circle of influence. The average according to John Maxwell in a lifetime is 30,000. When you pass from this life to the n ext, what do you want to be remembered for? Are you currently living a life that can be worthy? What kind of legacy will you leave? What kind of impact will you have made? What kind of reward will you receive in Heaven? Do you have a personal growing relationship with Christ?



Life on this earth is nothing more than a vapor according to God's Word. God has an awesome plan for each of us. You are developing your legacy each day. Will your legacy be one of Godly character and conduct?

Visit Lynn for more TT. Blessings to you!