Faithful Living to Faithful Leaving Part 2: A Legacy Unfolding
Editor’s note: This two-part series offers practical steps and insights that equip God’s people to exercise biblical stewardship and generosity in every stage of life—even after they pass. Read Part 1 here.
Prior to the Lord extending King Hezekiah’s life by fifteen years, He sent the prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah:
“…Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” - 2 Kings 20:1
While we may not all have a personal prophet to advise us on getting our house in order, we do have scriptural principles and the Holy Spirit to guide us through the process of stewarding what’s been entrusted to us.
As I talk with people about the importance of having a will or trust, I often hear, “We’re not rich enough to have an estate plan.” This is actually a misnomer. Everyone has an estate plan—it’s just a matter of which kind you choose. One gives you control over how you distribute your money and possessions; the other forfeits that control to the state probate court, where it is highly unlikely that biblical wisdom or Holy Spirit guidance will play a role in determining outcomes. Being a good steward means planning well. To ensure your legacy reflects your values, honors God, and provides for the people and causes you hold dear, consider creating a will or trust through Orchard Alliance at no cost today. It’s simple to set up, and our team is here to help. Learn more here.
For Christ-followers, estate planning is as much spiritual as it is financial. If God owns everything and we are His stewards, then an estate plan is simply the transfer of stewardship to the next steward. That raises important questions: Are they prepared? Who should receive what? Should everything go to the children? What about the ministries that have shaped your faith over the years?
Making Wisdom-based and Values-driven Decisions
Many Christian families conclude that leaving everything equally to their children may not be the wisest—or most biblical—approach. Some heirs may not need the resources; others could be harmed by them. A sudden inheritance can dull motivation or even damage faith. So parents wrestle with deeper questions: Can we love our children equally while treating them uniquely? Can we design a plan that helps ensure our family relationships remain strong for generations?
This is where intentionality becomes essential. Thoughtful estate planning allows you to align your values with your legacy. For some, that may mean setting up trusts that provide guidance and structure over time rather than a single, unrestricted distribution. For others, it may involve incorporating charitable giving into their plans—ensuring that the ministries and causes closest to your heart (and God’s!) continue to flourish long after you’re gone.
In many ways, this type of planning mirrors the same principles we practice while living: listening to God, stewarding wisely, and giving generously. The difference is that estate planning extends those decisions into the future. It allows your faith to speak beyond your lifetime, shaping lives and advancing the Kingdom for years to come.
It’s Not Always About $$
It’s also worth noting that legacy planning is not only about financial assets. It includes the transfer of wisdom, values, and faith. Conversations with children and loved ones about stewardship, generosity, and God’s provision can be just as impactful as any financial gift. When families understand the “why” behind decisions, they are far more likely to carry those values forward.
Ultimately, a well-ordered estate is not about control—it’s about faithfulness. It reflects a life that recognizes God’s ownership and seeks to honor Him in both living and leaving. Rather than being a final transaction, it becomes a continuation of a lifelong journey of stewardship.
When we take the time to “put our house in order,” we are not simply preparing for the end—we are investing in what comes next. We are ensuring that what God has entrusted to us continues to be used for His purposes, in His timing, and for His glory.
A legacy like that doesn’t happen by accident. It unfolds through prayer, wisdom, and intentional action—one faithful step at a time.
Faith & Finance Perspective
For decades, believers have embraced estate planning as an opportunity to bless family, church, and missions. In fact, many are surprised to discover that their estate plan enables them to make the largest gift of their lifetime—sometimes far beyond what they ever imagined—while still providing well for their children.
Orchard Alliance exists because, more than 6 decades ago, a group of faithful stewards began asking God how they could inspire and equip other Kingdom-minded believers to advance the work of building Christ’s Church. Today, Orchard continues this legacy by helping Alliance families of all means chart a scripturally sound course to estate planning. As one Alliance couple commented,
“After going through the Biblical Estate Design Process with an Orchard Consultant, we learned that we could leave the largest gift of our lifetime. We will leave over six figures to our church and favorite ministries, including CAMA and the Great Commission Fund.”
Have you put your house in order? It might be time. We would be delighted to come alongside you and your advisors to help develop a legacy plan that aligns with your values and God’s heart—and lives on long after you pass. Visit our site, call us at 833.672.4255, or email us at estatedesign@orchardalliance.org.
“Good will come to those who are generous... who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.”
- Psalm 112:5-6, 9
