What’s Your Legacy

What you leave behind is often called a legacy. It’s mostly connected to something financial that is left to future generations. In fact, Legacy comes from the Latin verb, legare “to appoint by a last will, send as an ambassador.” As an action word, it’s something you do with what you have. On the other hand, as a noun, it originally meant an “ambassador” or “envoy” that carries on what you’ve started.

According to the original use of the word, the only way you leave a legacy behind is to have it documented in your “last will and testament”.

We often think of it in the financial role, but today I want to think about it in the essence of a person that leaves behind their reputation as a road map to follow.

What’s Your Legacy Says About You

If I were to guess about your legacy, assuming it’s not documented in your Last Will, what would I surmise you have to leave behind? Could I even hazard a guess? What do I say about you here, and not after you are gone?

My thought is that it should not come as a surprise. It must be something I can see in you now and realize you have something to pass on to someone else. We often see folks who surprise everyone by leaving behind a fortune we never conceived! Who is the beneficiary? That is who receives the legacy.

Think about Scouting for a moment. All those badges and awards that are worn across the chest as a badge of honor. They represent your accomplishments but they do not give the future generation something of value. Rather, they are your accomplishments!

Someone once told me I smile too much and I was too friendly. What a legacy to leave behind on my reputation sash! Now, it’s not a legacy unless I pass it on, so, I give it to you. Take that frown off your face, smile more, and learn to be friendly!

Let Your Legacy Live Now

Over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about the Legacy of my sister. There was nothing tangible she had to leave in her Last Will and Testament, but there was a spirit and attitude about her that speaks volumes. Her love for family and friends, students and co-workers, and that steadfast view of looking for the good even when life dealt her an imperfect hand.

Since most will never know of her last days I can only tell you she continually thought about others. Her phone calls, notes and thoughts of others documents her focus. I called her just about weekly, and that last call was just 6 days before she passed, on the due date of her newest and 5th grandchild. She was ready to drive 2,000 miles to welcome him into the world! There was nothing she wouldn’t sacrifice for her kids.

I’m warmed by my memories and feel confident on how I look at her life, but I’m also realizing that unless someone picks it up and carries it forward then it’s not a legacy as a the legal definition.

She started a Thankful Thursday thought jar earlier this year. She called mom and dad and asked them what they were thankful for…into the Jar! Who will carry this Legacy onward?

Here’s My Thought Today

Develop your legacy based on what you have, what you can do, and what you can leave behind. Who you are, and what you do, defines your legacy, true, but what you leave behind for others to carry forward defines your legacy!

It’s simple. We may not all have the same opportunity, but we definitely have the ability to do something outstanding with who we are. If it’s something tangible to pass on, then I say don’t let it be a surprise! Prepare those in the future to pick up and carry your desires forward. If it’s intangible, then start passing it on early.

The Apostle Paul used a lot of men as extensions of his ministry. Some traveled with him often, and others were on the move. In his last known letter to Timothy, he makes a couple of assignments.

• “I’m sending Tychicus to the city of Ephesus as my representative.”  2 Timothy 4:12 (GW)
• “Erastus stayed in the city of Corinth and I left Trophimus in the city of Miletus because he was sick.”  2 Timothy 4:20 (GW)
• “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. He is useful to me in my work.”  2 Timothy 4:11 (GW)

Imagine these names being called out for assignments. Paul needed them, and they appear to be volunteers ready to do whatever needed to be done. We have no documentation of any other church planter like Paul, but he did not do it by himself. He surrounded himself with helpers.

I wonder if they knew this was Paul’s last stop before he died?

Paul Commissions Timothy

Timothy is challenged to be all he could be as he continued his role. Think of this has Paul’s last commandment to His protege.

“I solemnly call on you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus,
who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead.
I do this because Christ Jesus will come to rule the world.
Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right.
Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them.
Be very patient when you teach.
A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings.
Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear. People will refuse to listen to the truth and turn to myths.
But you must keep a clear head in everything. Endure suffering. Do the work of a missionary. Devote yourself completely to your work.”  
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (GW)

Think about it with me for a moment.

Timothy picks up Paul’s mantel. Though we read nothing about him after this, I cannot help but think he did all he could to increase Paul’s legacy.

Isn’t this how we are supposed to pick up the mantel ourselves? Jesus commissions us to go, teach, baptize and make disciples. We are to be witnesses everywhere to everyone.

A legacy not carried forward is simply a point of time nugget of information in history – lost opportunities by those who commission, and wasted by those who do not pick it up and carry forward…

Let’s work on our legacy!