Are You Building a Legacy That Lasts?
When it comes to living as a follower of Jesus, one question stands out: Are you living today with the future in mind? Building a legacy that echoes into eternity requires more than just fleeting moments of generosity or emotional reactions. It calls for consistent, thoughtful preparation.
The Call to Stewardship
In a world that preaches instant gratification and a “me-first” mindset, Jesus offers a radically different approach. He calls His followers to stewardship—a mindset that understands that everything we have is on loan from God. In the parable of the talents, we see that faithful stewardship is rewarded. But stewardship isn't just about avoiding recklessness; it's about preparing and planning with the resources entrusted to us.
Stewardship stretches beyond money. It’s about how we use our time, manage relationships, and build our lives. Proverbs 6:6-8 illustrates this through the ant’s tireless work to store food in summer, preparing for the inevitability of winter. This wisdom challenges believers to plan for the seasons of life that require more than impulsive decisions.
Why Preparation Matters
Life has its seasons: times of abundance and times of need. Those who live with legacy in mind understand that winter will come, and only those who prepared during times of plenty will thrive. Jesus Himself underscored the importance of preparation in Luke 14:28 when He said, "Suppose one wants to build a tower, won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?"
A prepared life is one that allows for generosity, not driven by sudden emotional highs, but rooted in a steady foundation. Just as Jesus was deliberate in His life and ministry, He invites His followers to be intentional, to reflect His wisdom in how they handle their resources.
Breaking Free from the Cycle of Consumerism
Consumerism can often take a subtle hold on our lives, tempting us to believe that the next purchase or upgrade will bring fulfillment. The Holy Spirit helps believers break the cycle of restlessness and discontent. By practicing disciplines like frugality and Sabbath rest, we can shift our focus from acquiring more to appreciating what God has already provided.
Dallas Willard insightfully noted that our desire for more is infinite because we were created for an infinite God. True contentment comes when we feast on God’s goodness, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of joy. This shift in focus allows for a life marked by generosity, freedom, and legacy.
Living as People of Legacy
Being a person of legacy means seeing beyond the present and preparing for what is to come. It’s about building a life where financial decisions are made with wisdom, generosity is premeditated, and resources are used in a way that honors God.
Jesus doesn’t call us to a life of temporary fixes but to one marked by wise, lasting choices. Whether it's planning a budget, committing to savings, or learning to live with less so that others can have more, preparation is essential. The Holy Spirit is here to guide us, offering wisdom and strength as we seek to steward our resources faithfully.
Have you ever planned ahead to be generous, or have you mostly given on impulse? How did each approach affect you and others?
Read Proverbs 6:6-8. How can the wisdom of the ant's preparation apply to your current season of life? What practical steps can you take to prepare for future challenges?
What areas of your life are most affected by consumer culture (e.g., fashion, tech, experiences)? How does recognizing Jesus as the ultimate source of joy shift your perspective on these areas?
In what other areas (relationships, time, talents) do you feel called to be a better steward? What steps can you take to surrender these areas to God’s guidance?
How would you define a “legacy” in your own life? What changes can you make today to build a legacy that reflects your faith and prepares for the future?