A legacy is more than positional prominence, wealth, and notable worldly achievements. Inventors’ legacies as founders of modern technologies that enrich our lives can’t be overstated and appreciated.
But it’s important to acknowledge that a legacy is about an individual’s entire life, not just the things engineered or the contents of one’s estate.
The service legacies of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and many other devotees who serve and protect are commendable. They leave a legacy of selflessness and courage. And the enduring legacies of priests, ministers, and popes will inspire generations yet to be born.
What better legacy can anyone have than one that involves respect, generosity, and social responsibility? The legacy we leave is not only tangible things but intangible values of a life physically, emotionally, morally, and spiritually well lived.
A legacy is leaving the world a little better because you lived, loved, and made a difference in the lives of others. Everyone has something to contribute to the betterment of their family, community, city, state, and country.
In this humongous ocean of life, our actions ripple outward in waves that touch, teach, and influence others. Today, we write and live the story of our legacy. Whether a breeze, pebble, or a ship upon the ocean, our efforts and lives create waves felt by many.
People often ask, “What do you want others to say about you? How do you want others to remember you? This question speaks to the legacy you hope to leave.
The seeds to create a legacy are planted and cultivated in the family, which was established and ordained by God. This is not to say that the principles of a good legacy can’t be taught outside the family unit.
In the family, parents submit themselves to God, and the children submit themselves to their parents. And within this spiritual hierarchy, many legacy principles are taught and demonstrated, which are critical to the family, society, and the world. The family isn’t an entity unto itself; it’s a wave that touches the shores of our community and world. Family and cultural values surround, touch, and connect us to become societal norms.
All legacies aren’t positive ones. So, a life of hate and unethical and immoral standards can also be an individual’s legacy.
Here are a few positive legacies we can pass on regardless of economic and societal position in life.
Unselfish love – With Christ as our example, we can demonstrate His love for one another. This kind of love is the foundation of the family unit, and we extend concern and love throughout our communities.
Respect for authority – Children submit to their parents, who in turn submit to God’s authority. Parents teach their children to respect them, their family, teachers, and other adults who act in their best interest, whether at church or the grocery store.
Voting is a great legacy and a part of our social responsibility.
Did you know God would have us pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 1:2 KJV)?
Respect for authority, unselfish love, and social responsibility are great legacies to leave.
I want to leave a legacy of generosity, moral fortitude with Christian values, faithfulness to God and family, and an advocate of justice.
William Shakespeare said, “You get to decide the legacy that you leave.” He also said, “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”
Be safe.