Leave a Legacy of Faith

How do you hope to be remembered someday? Whether it’s your children, family, co-workers, or the person you met one time, what would you like them to remember about you?

I know I’ll be remembered differently depending on how close that person was to me. For example, my daughter and I have always spent a lot of time baking together. She will remember me in personal ways from our time together that a co-worker would not know about me. At the same time, a co-worker might remember me from working on team projects, which is a side of me my daughter has not seen.

As I’ve thought about this, I’ve come to the conclusion that the greatest legacy I can leave my family, friends, or someone I meet once in my lifetime is my faith.

Legacy, by definition, is something handed down or received, often from an ancestor or predecessor. Among the synonyms for legacy is gift. (dictionary.com)

The greatest legacy or gift I can leave to others is the way in which I live out my faith—everyday, with everyone.

A legacy is something left behind. It’s not seen today, but after the fact. I don’t get up in the morning and think, what legacy should I leave behind today? Likewise, at the end of the day, my daughter will not hug me goodnight and say, “Thanks for the legacy you left me today.” But what she sees today may stay with her for years to come, without her even realizing it.

So, it makes me wonder if I’m living my faith in a way that I want others to see.

I’m not talking about a showy, for all to see way that can be seen as fake. What I mean is…can others see what Jesus means to me by the way I live each day?

If I say I trust God, can others see that I really do?

Do others see me in God’s Word, or do I keep that hidden?

Would someone who does not know Jesus see Him through me?

Does my behavior make someone want to know Jesus better? Or not at all?

God brings people into our lives, sometimes for a lifetime, but other times only briefly. What a blessing it would be if someone I knew for a short time remembers me one day, not for the reason we came together, but because they saw Jesus through me and it made an impact in their life.

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? James 2:14 NLT

10 Responses to Leave a Legacy of Faith
  1. Rosann
    June 14, 2012 | 7:35 am

    I love this. So true that leaving a legacy is more in how others see us live life. It’s leading by beautiful example so those behind us will live life similarly, knowing God, having a strong faith, and loving others with every ounce of their being. Or at least that’s the legacy I hope to leave behind for my loved ones. 🙂

    Thanks for such an awesome post today!
    ~Rosann

    • Laura Rath
      June 14, 2012 | 9:25 am

      Thanks so much for your comment Rosann! From seeing how my daughter watches everything I do, but doesn’t always listen to what I say, I’ve learned that it really is important to model our faith, and not just talk about it.
      God bless,
      Laura

  2. Denise J. Hughes
    June 14, 2012 | 10:16 am

    “God brings people into our lives, sometimes for a lifetime, but other times only briefly. What a blessing it would be if someone I knew for a short time remembers me one day, not for the reason we came together, but because they saw Jesus through me and it made an impact in their life.”

    I love this, Laura. This is truly my heart’s desire. That people would see Jesus in me ~ my words, my expressions, my actions, and my intentions.

    • Laura Rath
      June 15, 2012 | 8:44 am

      Thank you Denise! I’m always blessed to read your comments.

  3. Sharon O
    June 14, 2012 | 3:15 pm

    Awesome… yes leaving a legacy is so important. As a mom and grandma my goal is always to leave something positive that they can grasp onto and remember. A legacy is a wonderful gift.

    • Laura Rath
      June 15, 2012 | 8:44 am

      Sharon, thanks for visiting and for your comment! God bless!

  4. Holly
    June 15, 2012 | 11:44 am

    Great post and wonderful questions to ponder. I’m glad I came across the article on your blog directing me here!

    • Laura Rath
      June 15, 2012 | 1:51 pm

      Hi Holly,
      I’m so glad you stopped by! Thanks for leaving a comment!
      God Bless,
      Laura

  5. Sheryl
    July 20, 2012 | 6:30 pm

    Laura – I enjoyed your article. The question of “If I say I trust God, can others really see that I do.” really made me think for a moment. Thanks.

    • Laura Rath
      July 24, 2012 | 8:44 am

      Sheryl, thank you for your kind words! God bless!