How do you look at your life? Do you ever ponder the impact of your past, reflect on what is occurring currently, or think of what is still in front of you? One perspective is that life is a series of phases that occur throughout your life. One simple way to look at each phase of your life is by asking a pointed question.
In your 20’s you might ask, “Can I make it on my own?”
In your 30’s you might ask, “What’s next?”
In your 40’s you might ask, “Have I accomplished what I set out to do?”
In your 50’s you might ask, “How do I manage it?”
In your 60’s you might ask, “Have I planned well enough?”
In your 70’s you might ask, “What remains unfinished?”
In your 80’s you might ask, “Will I lose my independence?”
And if you reach your 90’s, you don’t need to ask anything, instead, you can triumphantly say, “Lord Jesus, here I come!”
When do you think about your legacy? More than likely, a person’s legacy is not on their radar until they reach their 50’s, when you begin the inevitable “downside” of your life. But this is something you can ponder and plan, no matter your age.
First, it’s important to clarify the difference between a legacy and an inheritance. The Bible speaks about both. An inheritance is what physical “stuff” will be designated and dispersed after your death. These are typically things of value, like money, property, personal valuables, mementos, and so forth.
A legacy is more intangible. It consists of values, wisdom, and memories. A legacy is your impact on those who outlive you. Think of a legacy like when you toss a stone into the water. It causes a ripple, and from it rings occur, even though the rock has disappeared. So, it is with your legacy. It outlives you.
What is more valuable – an inheritance or a legacy? Well, an inheritance will be ultimately consumed and then it’s over. However, a legacy can be everlasting. Not everyone will leave an inheritance, but we all will leave a legacy, whether you have planned it or not. The key is if it’s being built by the Lord, it will last into eternity, which is a legacy worth leaving!
Jesus expressed this in Matthew 6:19-20. He said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”
What legacy do you want to leave? A wasted life with wasted opportunities? No, of course not! But that is exactly what Paul was thinking in 2 Timothy 2:1-7, when he wrote this letter to Timothy. Paul is nearing the end of his life, and he is encouraging the younger Timothy to stay strong in the faith after his death.
Paul suggests four very simple ways from your daily walk that will result in leaving a good legacy. Let’s read the passage to reveal those four things.
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
First, in verse 1, leaving a good legacy is simply showing grace towards others. Often, the greatest impact on a person’s life are people who have shown the greatest amount of grace to them.
Second, in verse 2, Paul highlights that a legacy can be given through words, especially how we use those words. Simply, once something is said, it can’t be unsaid. A legacy has been created – good or bad. So, think carefully before you speak.
Next, in verses 4-6, Paul gives three examples of staying focused on your task in life. He compares the Christian life to a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Now, especially in today’s world with social media, it’s easy to be distracted in life. Paul’s three examples all highlight hard work, focus, and discipline. The more disciplined we are and the more we exercise spiritual disciplines, the closer we walk with God and reflect His life to others, which is reflected in our legacy.
Finally, in verse 7, Paul speaks of wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to know what to do with the knowledge you have acquired. A wise person doesn’t always act on their knowledge. A wise person doesn’t always speak. A wise person knows when to speak and when to be silent. Acting out in wisdom is the key to leaving a great legacy.
The best example of this is at a “celebration of life” or funeral. Stuff vs. impact on others.
So, consider how you can fill your life with grace toward others. Consider the impact that your words have on others. Consider what is important and stay focused on it. And consider how to be wise with the knowledge you have. No matter at what stage of life you are at, think about your legacy. Whether you are in the later stages of life, or in mid-life, or just a youngster, utilize these four simple ways to create a positive legacy as you live out your life.
In your 20’s you might ask, “Can I make it on my own?”
In your 30’s you might ask, “What’s next?”
In your 40’s you might ask, “Have I accomplished what I set out to do?”
In your 50’s you might ask, “How do I manage it?”
In your 60’s you might ask, “Have I planned well enough?”
In your 70’s you might ask, “What remains unfinished?”
In your 80’s you might ask, “Will I lose my independence?”
And if you reach your 90’s, you don’t need to ask anything, instead, you can triumphantly say, “Lord Jesus, here I come!”
When do you think about your legacy? More than likely, a person’s legacy is not on their radar until they reach their 50’s, when you begin the inevitable “downside” of your life. But this is something you can ponder and plan, no matter your age.
First, it’s important to clarify the difference between a legacy and an inheritance. The Bible speaks about both. An inheritance is what physical “stuff” will be designated and dispersed after your death. These are typically things of value, like money, property, personal valuables, mementos, and so forth.
A legacy is more intangible. It consists of values, wisdom, and memories. A legacy is your impact on those who outlive you. Think of a legacy like when you toss a stone into the water. It causes a ripple, and from it rings occur, even though the rock has disappeared. So, it is with your legacy. It outlives you.
What is more valuable – an inheritance or a legacy? Well, an inheritance will be ultimately consumed and then it’s over. However, a legacy can be everlasting. Not everyone will leave an inheritance, but we all will leave a legacy, whether you have planned it or not. The key is if it’s being built by the Lord, it will last into eternity, which is a legacy worth leaving!
Jesus expressed this in Matthew 6:19-20. He said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”
What legacy do you want to leave? A wasted life with wasted opportunities? No, of course not! But that is exactly what Paul was thinking in 2 Timothy 2:1-7, when he wrote this letter to Timothy. Paul is nearing the end of his life, and he is encouraging the younger Timothy to stay strong in the faith after his death.
Paul suggests four very simple ways from your daily walk that will result in leaving a good legacy. Let’s read the passage to reveal those four things.
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
First, in verse 1, leaving a good legacy is simply showing grace towards others. Often, the greatest impact on a person’s life are people who have shown the greatest amount of grace to them.
Second, in verse 2, Paul highlights that a legacy can be given through words, especially how we use those words. Simply, once something is said, it can’t be unsaid. A legacy has been created – good or bad. So, think carefully before you speak.
Next, in verses 4-6, Paul gives three examples of staying focused on your task in life. He compares the Christian life to a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Now, especially in today’s world with social media, it’s easy to be distracted in life. Paul’s three examples all highlight hard work, focus, and discipline. The more disciplined we are and the more we exercise spiritual disciplines, the closer we walk with God and reflect His life to others, which is reflected in our legacy.
Finally, in verse 7, Paul speaks of wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to know what to do with the knowledge you have acquired. A wise person doesn’t always act on their knowledge. A wise person doesn’t always speak. A wise person knows when to speak and when to be silent. Acting out in wisdom is the key to leaving a great legacy.
The best example of this is at a “celebration of life” or funeral. Stuff vs. impact on others.
So, consider how you can fill your life with grace toward others. Consider the impact that your words have on others. Consider what is important and stay focused on it. And consider how to be wise with the knowledge you have. No matter at what stage of life you are at, think about your legacy. Whether you are in the later stages of life, or in mid-life, or just a youngster, utilize these four simple ways to create a positive legacy as you live out your life.
Posted in Ken Alvis
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