We all desire to be memorable. But what is the greatest legacy we can create? If we know it’s not leaving behind the things of this world, which will pass away, isn’t it interesting how, in our struggle to make our mark, much of our daily efforts are focused on money, success-based relationships, self-care, careers, and the enjoyment of physical pleasure? But these temporal things never create a lasting legacy unless they are used for God’s glory.
God is not glorified in our lives unless He is in charge.
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
God has given us tools to build a lasting legacy. What follows are a few of the most critical:
#1: Salvation and setting our purpose.
Eternal legacy begins with our soul and spirit being reconciled to God. No habit, discipline, or achievement can fulfill a heart that hasn’t been transformed by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But salvation is just the beginning. We must also have a deep understanding that our true purpose is to glorify God. If we set our compass just one degree off course, we soon find ourselves far adrift from our intended destination. God has an amazing plan for our lives! When a born again believer understands their purpose, they are poised to have a legacy that flows from God’s Divine perspective. Without God’s ultimate purpose guiding us, we’re simply on a road to nowhere.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Practical Challenges: Have you learned how to clearly share your own testimony of salvation? Do you intentionally set your compass so every part of your life is to glorify God?
Tool #2: Daily, intentional time with God.
Our greatest eternal legacy will not happen without intentional time in God’s presence. It’s daily. It’s not out of duty, but out of delight. It’s a relationship, not simply a routine. It means setting aside focused, undistracted time in the surrendered reading of the Word and prayer. The Word and God’s presence must become our great treasures in order for God to lead us to HIS greatest treasures.
“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You…” Psalm 63:1
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23
Practical Challenge: How do you spend intimate time with God? Are there any ways you can do it even better?
Tool #3: Discipleship.
Our eternal legacy multiplies when we are willing to pour our lives into others. We were never meant to hoard the truth OR God’s love. Love is selflessness. Our time is one of our most precious resources—we never get it back. Discipling effectively requires time and giving of ourselves. But the benefits are enormous. Discipling others even deepens our walk with God and forces us to grow. But to build that legacy, we must die to our selfish desires and live in obedience to the Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19–20
Practical Challenge: List the people you are discipling by teaching and modeling the truth of God’s Word to. List the “life-on-life” ways you are doing this—through building relationships, spending time, providing finances, or otherwise carrying out the Great Commission.
Tool #4: Pray without ceasing.
Prayer isn’t just something you do—it’s the mindset you live in. Only God can build our eternal legacy. We need Him to do it through us. Prayer must become a way of living, not just a to-do list. Pray through your thoughts, reactions, decisions, and relationships. My mother models this for me—always lifting up thoughts, needs, and praises to the Lord in real time.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Practical Challenge: Do you have the “pray without ceasing” mindset? We cannot pass this legacy on if we don’t believe in it enough to do it ourselves. 😳
Tool #5: Continual surrender to Christ.
We will never build a legacy while clinging to our own plans. We must release control—daily—and trusting that Christ’s way is better. Surrender to God for salvation is a one and done; but surrender for building a legacy is not a one-time act; it’s a lifestyle. Surrendering our attitude, thoughts, fears, and dreams doesn’t come easy—but it always results in true freedom and deeper joy.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” Galatians 2:20
“I beseech you therefore… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
Practical Challenge: What areas of your life do you need to ask for God to take over? Identify them and lay them down. You will never regret it!
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are the only source of true satisfaction for a world that is starving on empty promises. Teach me to treasure my relationship with You above all else. Thank You for the gift of salvation and the peace that comes from being made right with You through Jesus Christ. Help me to seek You daily—with intention, with hunger, and with joy. Let Your Word shape my thoughts, and let prayer become the rhythm of my life. Give me a heart willing to pour into others, to disciple with compassion, and to reflect Your love in every interaction.Father, I surrender my plans, fears, and pride. I want to live fully yielded to Your will. Fill me with Your Spirit and make me a vessel of Your truth and real love. May my life be a nourishing river—not a reservoir of selfishness. Teach me that an eternal and satisfying legacy isn’t found in what I hold onto, but in what I lay down. And in all things, let me glorify You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
One Response
Life does not consist in the abundance of things. It never has and never will.