According to studies, most people want to leave a legacy of wisdom, values, wealth, or a positive influence. Around 60% of Americans desire to leave their mark on the world, and a New Zealand study found that 98% want to leave a legacy.
A person may not think much about a legacy in their twenties, thirties, or forties, but older generations certainly do. As time starts moving faster, we think more about the end, and the emphasis begins shifting toward purpose and eternity. As Christians, we want to live a faithful life and allow our witness to make a mark in the world.
Here are three reasons why people sometimes don’t leave a legacy, according to Great To Great God’s Eyes by Chip Ingram.
1) Lack of Discipline
Disciplines that need to be evident in our lives are prayer, time in God’s Word, and worship. These set the tone for everything in life. Disciplines in health, finances, and hard work also help leave a legacy in our lives. I want to strive to be disciplined in these areas: Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Focus.
Discipline is required to make sure you do what only you can do. About 95% of what you do in life could be done by someone else, but only you can take care of yourself, be the father/mother to your children, and be the husband/wife to your spouse. That 5% is crucial and must take priority.
For Christians, tithing, generosity, and other Biblical money disciplines are essential to living. You can’t wait for more money – godly habits start now. You can read here about giving, teaching your family to give, the psychology of money in our lives, learning to be content, and learning the art of thrift.
2) Lack of Vision
Maybe you don’t have a vision of what your legacy could be. You may be so focused on the daily grind that you haven’t given yourself time to think about what your preferred snapshot of the future could be.
We are all given the same amount of time. We are also all equally inundated with noise, messages, screens, advertisements, daily pressures, and the constant whirlwind of our culture. Times to envision what life could be are often few and far between.
You can read about three questions that help us clarify our calling. If you are young, talk with someone older to determine what you should be thinking about for your future. If you are currently in your twenties, read about how this is a foundational decade in many ways – take advantage of these years.
3) Lack of Focus
It’s easy to only think of ourselves. What if we thought about three or four generations down from now? How would our focus and courage change our future ancestors?
Our focus on being healthy and available to those coming after us is a gift beyond imagination. We must put a focus on our health throughout life, and the best time to begin is right now. We must also live without fear, courageously facing life and opening doors for those who are watching us.
Living courageously is one way to live out this focus and think about future generations down from you. Simply put, your bravery can be someone’s breakthrough.
You can pick up the book Good To Great In God’s Eyes here.
