Passing Down More Than a Financial Legacy
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
For many, “leaving a legacy” means creating wills and planning an inheritance. However, in God’s eyes, our legacy is about much more than a financial handoff. It’s about leaving behind a vision, a life story full of values that ripple across generations.
Whether you're nearing retirement, planning your estate, or simply reflecting on what truly matters, this stage of life is an opportunity to leave something meaningful behind: a legacy that glorifies God and blesses the people around you.
Your Legacy Already Exists
Every decision you’ve made – from the career paths you chose to the sacrifices you offered for your family and the causes you supported – has already formed a legacy. You don’t need to start building one from scratch. You are the legacy.
But it is important to be intentional. Ask yourself these questions:
What do I want to be remembered for?
What lessons, habits, and values do I want to pass down to future generations?
Does the life I’m living right now reflect those priorities?
This mindset will transform the way you see your remaining years, not as a winding down, but as a time to clarify and live out what matters most to you.
Financial Wisdom is Spiritual Wisdom
Money is one of the most tangible ways we live out our beliefs, which is why Scripture speaks so often about it. When we plan our legacy through a faith lens, we don’t just distribute wealth; we shape how others think about stewardship.
Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” By funding missionaries, churches, Christian schools, or nonprofits that align with your calling, your legacy extends far beyond your lifetime and becomes something more valuable than ever before.
Tell the Story, Don’t Just Sign the Forms
One of the greatest gifts you can leave your family is the why behind your legacy. Many people pass down assets without ever sharing their testimony. But think of the impact your story could have if future generations read a letter or watched a video explaining:
Why you followed Christ
How God provided through hard times
Why you chose to give generously
What you hope your children and grandchildren will do with the blessings they receive
This kind of storytelling doesn’t require perfection; it just requires authenticity. A “legacy letter” or faith journal can be just as powerful as a trust fund, because it passes down wisdom, not just wealth.
Start the Conversation: With Family and With God
Many families avoid talking about legacy because it feels uncomfortable or complicated. But faithful stewardship involves clarity, not confusion. Start by being honest with family members about your hopes, concerns, and spiritual convictions. Being honest and genuine about your intentions/values will lead to leaving the best legacy possible.
Equally important is talking to God. Invite Him into your planning process. Ask Him to help you let go of control, surrender your plans, and trust Him with what comes next. Psalm 37:25 reminds us: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
God doesn’t need your wealth to accomplish His will, but He can use your legacy to echo His goodness across generations.
Eternal Impact Begins with Obedience Today
You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a godly legacy. You simply need to be faithful. That could mean:
Teaching your grandchildren how to pray
Donating part of your estate to missions
Mentoring younger couples at church
Writing down the family’s faith history
Supporting ministries that will outlive you
Money can be an amazing tool to share God’s love, but in the Kingdom of God, legacy isn’t measured in dollars. It’s measured in obedience, trust, and love.
Faith and Finance Perspective
As stewards of God’s resources, we are called to pass down more than money – we are called to pass down His mission. Financial planning, when done in faith, becomes an act of worship. It’s not just about balancing budgets or maximizing returns; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and releasing the next generation to build upon them.
When you view your estate, your testimony, and your generosity as sacred tools for ministry, your legacy becomes part of God's story. By living and giving with an eternal vision, you can inspire others to walk in faith long after you’re gone.
Let your legacy be one that points not just to your success, but to your Savior.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
- Deuteronomy 6:5-7