"A Legacy That Matters" | October 19, 2025 | Ps Stephen George

When we think about legacy, our minds often jump to financial inheritances or cherished heirlooms passed down through generations. But what if our understanding of legacy is too narrow? What if the most impactful legacy we can leave isn't about what we give to people, but what we instill within them?

True legacy is enduring. It's the lasting impact we leave on future generations. And for those who have committed their lives to Jesus, we're already part of the greatest legacy ever – an eternal inheritance promised by God Himself. As 1 Peter 3:3-4 reminds us, "All praise to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus from the dead. Now we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance."

But how do we build a legacy that matters? It starts with understanding that legacy isn't about perfection – it's about progress. It's about the journey of being redeemed by grace and allowing that transformation to impact others.

Consider the story of a grandfather who became a pillar of faith later in life. Every night, he would kneel by his couch, crying out to God in prayer. He never missed a church service, lived a life of integrity, and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. But this wasn't always his story. In his younger years, he was known for his anger, selfishness, and penchant for moonshine. It wasn't until his 50s, after a major heart attack, that he truly embraced a life devoted to God.

This man's legacy isn't just about the admirable qualities he developed in his later years. It's a legacy of repentance, of being lost and then found, of allowing God to make him new. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

The seeds of legacy – prayer, faith, hard work – that this grandfather planted during his lifetime continue to bear fruit long after he's gone. His impact extends beyond his immediate family to everyone touched by the ripple effects of his transformed life.

This is the beauty of legacy – like an oak tree, we plant it in our lifetime, but its shade is for future generations. However, it starts with us. It begins with a choice, and then it's maintained by small daily choices across our lifetime.

Luke 9:23 captures this beautifully: "Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'" Our legacy is built through these daily decisions to follow Christ, whether in big moments of commitment or in the small, unseen choices to resist temptation or show kindness.

It's crucial to understand that your legacy isn't determined by your parents' or grandparents' choices. We have the power to shape our own legacies, to break generational chains, and to start something new. If you come from a family of non-believers, you have the opportunity to plant the first seed of faith. If you've inherited unhealthy coping mechanisms or destructive patterns, you can be the one to break the cycle.

Building a lasting legacy requires intentionality. If you want to leave a financial legacy, it starts with daily spending and investment choices. If you want to be known for your empathy, it begins with choosing to show compassion in everyday interactions. If hard work and providing for your family is important to you, it's reflected in your daily commitment to your responsibilities.

As we reflect on the legacies we're building, it's worth asking ourselves some challenging questions:

1. What kind of impact am I having on those around me?
2. Are my daily choices aligned with the legacy I want to leave?
3. Am I allowing God to transform me, or am I clinging to old patterns?
4. How can I intentionally invest in the next generation?
5. What inherited traits or beliefs do I need to critically examine?

Remember, legacy isn't just about what we accomplish or accumulate. It's about the lives we touch, the values we embody, and the faith we live out. It's about allowing God to work through us to impact not just our immediate circle, but generations to come.

Psalm 78:4 encourages us, "We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders." This is the heart of legacy – passing on not just material wealth, but the richness of faith, character, and the knowledge of God's faithfulness.

As you go about your day, consider the legacy you're building. Every interaction, every decision, every moment of worship or act of service is a brick in the foundation of your legacy. Are you building something that will stand the test of time? Are you leaving behind more than just possessions, but a lasting impact on hearts and souls?

Your legacy is not set in stone – it's a living, growing thing that you have the power to shape. Whether you're just beginning to think about legacy or you're looking to realign your life with the impact you want to have, remember that it starts with a choice. A choice to say "yes" to God, to take up your cross daily, and to live a life that points others to the ultimate source of hope and transformation.

May we all strive to build legacies that echo through eternity, legacies rooted in faith, nurtured by love, and bearing fruit for generations to come. For in the end, the most powerful legacy we can leave is one that draws others closer to the heart of God.