What Does The Bible Say About Leaving A Legacy?
Estimated reading time: 20 minutes
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Faith?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Family?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Finances/Giving?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Friendships?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Marriage?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Parenting?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy Professionally?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Mentorship?
- What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Entrepreneurship?
- Conclusion
What comes to mind when you think about your legacy?
It’s probably not something you think about all that often. After all, we’ll never get to enjoy our own legacies, so why bother thinking about it, right? Well, not so fast. As it turns out, quite a few people actually do think about their legacies. For some, legacy is menial—they desire to live for today without any regard for how they’ll be remembered. For others, leaving a godly legacy is as important as life itself because a legacy carries on long after we’re gone. But what does the Bible say about leaving a biblical legacy?
This is a question I think is not often thought about near enough. Most of the time, we choose to focus on financial, professional, or familial legacies. Now, these are not wrong in and of themselves. In fact, I want to leave a positive legacy in each area (plus six more we’ll cover in this post). However, the greatest legacy we can leave is a spiritual legacy rooted in biblical principles in each of the most important areas of our lives.
What Do The Studies Show About Leaving a Legacy?
There have been numerous studies conducted on legacy, and the results are fascinating. Most of the studies I found during my research are financially-minded. I think this is one of the most interesting aspects of legacy because while we can leave a tangible legacy in the form of wealth we create, there are so many more ways we can leave a meaningful legacy beyond just financial means.
In one study conducted by financial services firm, Empower, 32% of Americans plan to leave a financial inheritance while almost a quarter, 24%, of people mention they are just trying to get by and not considering their financial legacy at all.
Further, 16% of respondents mentioned it’s also about sharing money lessons and wisdom with the coming generation. Interestingly, 23% of survey respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 mentioned this as important to them. Only 9% of those aged 55 and older mentioned this was important to them.
In a separate study conducted by thought leader Age Wave, “94% of Americans over 55 say the definition of a ‘life well lived’ is ‘having family and friends that love me.’” This emphasizes that leaving a positive difference in the lives of others is crucial. Interestingly, only 10% mentioned that wealth accumulation was the best way to define a life well lived.
We can glean that leaving a legacy is not purely about finances, friendships, or societal impact. A good man leaves behind a positive legacy that transcends money, creating an influence on the lives of others and the kingdom of God.
What are the 9 Legacy-Defining Categories We’ll Cover?
I have spent years thinking about legacy. In fact, I’ve spent the better part of the last decade trying to determine what actually matters when we think about the kind of legacy we’re going to leave.
We must face the fact that we’re going to leave a legacy, whether we think about it or not. For some people, their legacy is a trail of pain, heartbreak, iniquity of the fathers, and wasted years. For others, their blameless lives leave an imprint on hundreds or even thousands of people in meaningful ways.
Through all of my research, data collection, experiences, and introspection, I’ve discovered that there are nine areas where we can leave a legacy that serves people, honors God, and allows us to live the fullest life possible. Those nine areas are:
- Faith: Trust and belief in God, guiding your life based on His promises, teachings, and the stories of God.
- Family: The foundational unit of relationships bound by love, support, and shared life experiences, often passed down through generations.
- Finances: Managing money, wealth, and resources responsibly, with an emphasis on stewardship and generosity.
- Friendships: Relationships built on mutual trust, love, and encouragement, where individuals support and uplift each other.
- Marriage: The lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, built on love, commitment, and unity under God.
- Parenting: Raising and nurturing children, teaching them values, discipline, and faith to prepare them for life.
- Professional: The pursuit of work or a career, marked by integrity, dedication, and using your skills for the kingdom of God.
- Mentorship: Guiding, teaching, and supporting others, helping them grow personally, spiritually, or professionally.
- Entrepreneurship: Creating, developing, and managing a business or venture, often driven by innovation and vision.
Let’s dive into each of these areas to understand how we can leave a godly legacy that honors the Lord Jesus Christ and serves the coming generation.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Faith?
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.”
I love the picture this verse paints. The apostle Paul describes the sincere faith that pushes us to fight the good fight of faith despite the trials and tribulations. For those who run the race and keep the faith, a crown of righteousness awaits—an eternal reward for a life well lived in faith.
Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”
Passing on your spiritual legacy to the coming generation is one of the greatest accomplishments we can hope for. Whether you have kids or not, your legacy can be carried forward by those who see the good deeds and stories of God in your life. Share these deeds so that others will know!
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Choosing to sacrifice our ambitions for God’s plan is an ultimate act of humility. Christians today who choose to live by faith, trusting in God’s bigger picture and His holy spirit, experience a life filled with divine adventure and eternal life.
Colossians 2:6-7 – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
It is one thing to accept Christ, but continuing to live in daily communion with Him is how we strengthen our faith. As we grow in Him, we overflow with gratitude, knowing His presence is guiding us through all aspects of life, leading to a good name and godly legacy.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Family?
Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
One of the most beautiful aspects of leaving a legacy is seeing it carried on by future generations. When we nurture our families in faith and love, the joy of witnessing our children and grandchildren walk in that legacy is unparalleled. They become a reflection of the values and love we’ve instilled, and this verse reminds us that our family legacy is truly a crown of honor.
Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
This declaration by Joshua encapsulates the heart of a family legacy rooted in faith. When we choose to serve the Lord as a family, we set a powerful example for generations to follow. Our homes become beacons of God’s love and truth, impacting not only our children but also the world around us.
Psalm 78:5-6 – “He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them.”
Passing down God’s commands and His works is central to leaving a legacy of family. This verse reminds us of the responsibility we have to teach our children about God’s statutes, ensuring that His truth continues to be known and practiced in the generations to come. This is how faith and family intertwine to build a lasting legacy.
Genesis 18:19 – “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.”
God’s words to Abraham reveal a powerful truth about family legacy: it is about guiding our households in righteousness. By leading our families in God’s ways, we leave behind more than just material wealth; we leave a spiritual inheritance that shapes future generations to follow the Lord and do what is right.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Finances/Giving?
Proverbs 13:22 – “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
A financial legacy isn’t just about money; it’s about the values and priorities we pass down. This verse encourages us to be wise stewards of our resources, ensuring that we leave behind an inheritance that reflects God’s provision and our faithfulness. A good financial legacy provides not only for our children but also sets a foundation for future generations to build upon.
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”
Generosity is key to leaving a legacy in finances. When we give freely, the blessings that follow are abundant, overflowing into our lives and those around us. This principle extends far beyond money—it touches the heart of how we live and leave a lasting impact through kindness and generosity.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, but to put their hope in God.”
The legacy we leave through our finances is not measured by wealth alone but by where we place our trust. Teaching others to rely on God rather than riches is one of the most valuable lessons we can impart. A legacy built on faith in God’s provision transcends material possessions and leaves a lasting spiritual inheritance.
2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Sowing generously not only blesses others but also multiplies blessings in our own lives. This verse challenges us to live open-handed, knowing that our financial legacy is built through generosity. By sowing into others, we reap a harvest that continues long after we’re gone.
Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.”
Honoring God with our finances leaves a legacy of faithfulness. When we give our best to the Lord, He promises to bless us abundantly. This principle of tithing and giving first to God shows the next generation the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom over worldly wealth.
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”
God’s promise in Malachi challenges us to trust Him with our finances. By faithfully giving, we unlock the blessings of heaven, creating a financial legacy of trust and provision. This act of obedience sets an example for future generations to follow in faith and generosity.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Friendships?
Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
True friendship is a lifelong commitment, and leaving a legacy of friendship means being there for others in both good and bad times. This verse reminds us that a friend’s love is constant, and enduring friendships built on love and loyalty will stand the test of time.
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus sets the ultimate example of sacrificial love in friendship. A legacy of friendship is not about what we can get but what we give. When we lay down our lives—our time, our resources, and our love—we leave behind friendships that are rich in meaning and impact.
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
One of the greatest legacies we can leave in friendship is to help others grow and become better. Friendships that challenge and encourage us to be the best versions of ourselves leave a lasting impact, sharpening us for the trials and triumphs of life.
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Leaving a legacy of friendship involves learning to forgive and bear with one another’s shortcomings. Just as God forgives us, extending that same grace to our friends creates lasting relationships built on love, mercy, and understanding.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Marriage?
Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
The legacy of marriage begins with sacrificial love. When husbands love their wives as Christ loved the church, they model the kind of love that endures all trials. This love becomes a beacon for future generations, showing that a marriage grounded in Christ is a powerful testimony of God’s love.
Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
The union of husband and wife in marriage is a sacred bond that establishes a lasting legacy. Leaving behind the old to create a new life together as one flesh shows the importance of commitment, unity, and partnership, which becomes a foundation for future generations.
Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
A godly marriage is a treasure, and leaving a legacy of marriage means valuing and cherishing your spouse. When we treat our marriages as gifts from God, we model the joy and blessing that come from building a life together on faith and love.
Proverbs 31:10-11 – “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
A strong marriage is built on trust and mutual respect. Leaving a legacy of marriage involves cultivating a partnership where both husband and wife have confidence in one another. A marriage of noble character leaves behind a heritage of honor, value, and trustworthiness.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Parenting?
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Parenting is one of the most significant ways to leave a legacy. By nurturing our children with love, discipline, and godly instruction, we equip them to walk in the ways of the Lord. The way we raise our children has an impact that lasts far beyond our lifetime.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
The legacy of parenting is about more than just rules and guidance—it’s about living out God’s Word in front of our children. When we impress God’s truth upon their hearts, we give them a foundation that will guide them throughout their lives and into future generations.
3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
The greatest legacy we can leave as parents is to see our children walking in truth. Nothing brings more joy than knowing that the values and faith we have instilled in our children are leading them to live lives of integrity, truth, and godliness.
Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
The legacy of parenting begins with starting our children on the right path. By teaching them early about faith, character, and discipline, we give them the tools they need to stay on that path, even as they grow older and face the challenges of life.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy Professionally?
Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse reminds us that our professional lives should be marked by excellence and wholehearted effort. When we work as though we are serving the Lord, we leave behind a legacy of integrity and dedication that transcends any human accolades. It’s about more than just doing a job; it’s about leaving a lasting impression that glorifies God.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
Whether it’s a large task or a small one, we are called to give it our best. By committing to excellence in everything we do, we create a legacy of diligence and hard work that others will remember. It’s through this effort that we inspire those around us and leave behind a professional reputation built on reliability and dedication.
Proverbs 14:23 – “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Hard work and follow-through are essential for leaving a legacy in the workplace. This verse highlights that while ideas and dreams are important, action is what truly drives success. Those who are willing to put in the hard work will leave a legacy of accomplishment and impact.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands.”
In a world that often glorifies busyness and noise, this verse offers a refreshing perspective on professional legacy. It’s not about how loud or visible you are, but how quietly and faithfully you go about your work. By focusing on diligence and minding your own business, you leave a legacy of integrity and respect in your professional life.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Mentorship?
2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Mentorship is a key way to leave a lasting legacy. This verse emphasizes the importance of passing down wisdom and knowledge to others who will, in turn, teach future generations. By investing in people and entrusting them with the lessons we’ve learned, we create a ripple effect that carries on long after we’re gone.
Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
As mentors, we have the opportunity to help others choose the right paths in life. Surrounding ourselves with wisdom and guiding others to do the same leaves a legacy of discernment and sound judgment. When we lead by example and walk with wisdom, those we mentor are likely to follow and pass on that same wisdom.
Philippians 4:9 – “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.”
True mentorship is about action, not just words. When we leave a legacy of mentorship, it’s not just about teaching; it’s about demonstrating through our own lives the principles we want others to adopt. By living out the lessons we impart, we ensure that those we mentor will put them into practice, continuing the legacy.
1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
The ultimate goal of mentorship is to lead others to Christ through our example. When we live lives worthy of imitation, we leave a legacy that points others to God. Mentorship that centers on Christ’s example not only impacts individuals but also leaves an eternal legacy that continues through those we guide.
What Does The Bible Say About Leaving a Legacy of Entrepreneurship?
Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with planning, risk, and determination. This verse reminds us that when we commit our business ventures to the Lord, He will guide our steps and establish our plans. By placing God at the center of our entrepreneurial endeavors, we leave a legacy of trust in His provision and direction.
Matthew 25:21 – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.'”
Success in entrepreneurship often starts with faithfulness in the small things. This verse encourages us to be diligent and trustworthy with what we have, knowing that as we prove faithful, God will bless us with greater responsibilities. Leaving a legacy of entrepreneurship means stewarding opportunities well and being faithful with all that God has entrusted to us.
Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Diligence and careful planning are crucial in entrepreneurship. This verse highlights that a legacy of business success isn’t built on shortcuts or haste but on thoughtful planning and hard work. Entrepreneurs who carefully cultivate their ventures through consistent effort and discipline leave a legacy of sustainable growth and profit.
1 Corinthians 3:10 – “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.”
Entrepreneurship is about building something that lasts, often beyond your own involvement. When we build wisely and establish strong foundations in our businesses, others can continue to build on that work. This verse reminds us that a wise and faithful entrepreneur leaves a legacy that outlives them, laying a foundation for future success.
Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
As entrepreneurs, it’s important to remember that all success and wealth ultimately come from God. This verse keeps us grounded in the truth that it is God who enables us to create wealth and succeed in our ventures. A legacy of entrepreneurship that acknowledges and honors God as the source of all provision is one that leaves a lasting impact, both in business and in faith.
Conclusion
Well, I hope this post has made a positive impact in your pursuit of your legacy. The Christian life isn’t one that is easy. In fact, it’s really hard. Having the peace of God and the fear of the Lord are what will truly define your legacy once you’re gone.
It’s pretty clear that leaving a legacy is important. The question we have to ask ourselves though is what does the Bible say about leaving a legacy? If we fail to ask that question, the legacy we leave will likely become irrelevant.
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About the Author
John Claborn
Hi! I’m John. Author of the post you just read. I like to write about all things adventure. Mostly things to help people live more adventurous lives and care for their families in a more meaningful way. By day, I’m a COO. By night, I’m a rad dad of 4 kids that I don’t deserve and a husband to a woman I can’t understand how I got. My goal is to show freedom to people through adventure and experiences.
