What’s Your Legacy?

What’s your legacy? Destruction or integrity?

“Our fathers sinned, and are gone; it is we who have been burdened with the punishment for their wrongdoings.”—Lamentations 5:7 NASB

What had happened to the once great nation of Israel? To the city of Jerusalem? The author opened his book of lament by looking back: “How lonely sits the city that once had many people! She has become like a widow who was once great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a forced laborer!” (Lamentations 1:1).

Much of the blame fell on the previous generations who had made mistakes. They rejected God’s ways and failed to obey Him. They pursued the lifestyle of the pagan world around them, ignoring His warnings and turning their backs on Him.

We too are experiencing the by-product of the lives of those who have gone before us. We have benefitted from those who sacrificed, worked hard, blazed trails, laid a strong spiritual foundation, and spread the Gospel. But we are also paying penalties for the mistakes others made—sins they committed, wrong decisions they made, and the times they failed to obey God.

Now, we must ponder our impact on the generations to come. If Jesus tarries, what will be our legacy?

What will future generations say about your example and the choices you are making? Will they blame you for failures or be grateful to you for boldly doing the right thing? What will they say about the way you’ve invested your time, talents, and treasures? What impact will your example have on the generations to come?

Reflection Question: What can you do today to positively impact your legacy for the future?