Everyone leaves a legacy. When our lives are over, regardless of who we are, where we came from, how much we have or don’t have, we will all leave our mark on this earth, we will leave our legacy.
The BIG QUESTION is: What kind of legacy will we leave? I believe Three Factors Determine the answer to that question:
1. What You Do
What you do with your life, the decisions you make, the words you speak, and the actions you take, all have an impact on you and other people. Sometimes the impact is unseen, but it’s there none the less. Think of a tsunami. A giant wave comes ashore and destroys everything in its path. Think about how it got started. Hundreds of miles away in the ocean, the earth’s plates shifted. The shift caused an unseen surge of water which grew in intensity and speed. It eventually hit land and cause all kinds of damage.
Our daily actions work in a similar way. Sometimes we don’t see the immediate results of even a small decision or action, but they do have an impact. Sometimes the result shows up somewhere down the line, and become part of our legacy.
So, it’s important to remember that our current decisions and actions will determine our future legacy. What we do matters!
[bctt tweet=”Our current decisions and actions will determine our future legacy. What we do matters!.”]
The Bible tells us in Paul’s letter to the Romans (Rom. 14:7), that “no one lives to himself.” The point being, that what we do impacts others and ultimately adds to our legacy.
2. How You Do It
If “WHAT you do” is important, then “HOW you do it” is critical. How we go about making decisions and taking action will ultimately lead to results that shape our life and legacy.
Do you give your best? Do you approach life with excitement, passion, and enthusiasm? Do you think about how the decisions you are making and the actions you are taking will affect others? Are you going about life in a way that is pleasing to God?
The Bible gives us some great instruction regarding how we go about the work we’re doing. Colossians 3:23 says, “In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.”
That verse tells us that we should be thoughtful about the actions we take in our lives and work. We should always do our best and attempt to bring glory to God in the process.
3. Who You Do It For
The third factor that will determine our legacy is found in answering the question, Who will I live my life for?” The answer to that question will determine how impressive our legacy will be and how long it will last.
Most people want to build their legacy for themselves, so they can be remembered for their accomplishments. But sadly, that type of legacy will eventually fade. (How much can you tell me about your great, great grandfather, or even your great grandfather?)
However, there is one type of legacy that will not fade and will have eternal consequences …. A legacy built for God instead of for ourselves.
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
When “What We Do,” and “How We Do It,” is focused on the right “Who We Do It For,” we can build and leave a great legacy!
The Question is … What kind of legacy are you building and who are you building it for?
Great thoughts Pastor Ed. This will help me better focus my day. Thank you.
Such powerful truth! May my legacy be all about what Jesus has done for me! May all of my life from the little moments to the milestones show others how amazing He is!!! It’s all about Jesus!
Great thoughts and an on time word for all! Provokes some soul searching!
Thank you for sharing Pastor Ed. I once heard that the most important inscription on a tombstone is the dash. That is the most important part of our lives. What did we do with it?
This sermonette really gave me pause for thought and self examination. I have made many awful decisions in my life. I pray that God will forgive me 🙏 as well as will anyone who has ever been harmed by them. I need prayers daily. ♥️🙏
I want to leave a legacy. I want to be known as a Jesus Follower thanks Pastor! Your definitely leaving a legacy.