Legacy: Something passed down from previous generations; an inheritance, a tradition.
Building legacy requires vision.
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV) – Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
The vision for your life must come from the Lord.
Prophetic vision requires faith as we plan.
Vision sets the non-negotiables in your life.
*An unrestrained or careless life is a visionless life. *
How We Build Godly Legacy:
- Build by hearing from the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:8-11 (ESV) - For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord.
“For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The more that we hear something the more likely we are to believe that it is true, even when it is not!
2. Build altars.
Altars are places of remembering what the Lord has done.
Psalm 145:4-5 - One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
3. Build by Honoring Behind and Honoring Ahead.
The Story of Ruth (Ruth 1 – 4)
Principle of Honor: Favor comes as we choose to honor the people God has put in our lives.
Ruth 2: 10-12 – Why have I found favor with you, so that you notice me, although I am a foreigner? Boaz answered her, “Everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death has been fully reported to me: how you left your father and mother and your native land, and how you came to a people you didn’t previously know. May the Lord reward you for what you have done.
Honoring Behind: We can honor the past, even in its imperfections, because we know that our success does not require perfect people, or perfect situations, it requires a perfect savior, and His name is Jesus!
Ruth 2:3 (CSV) – So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family.
Pay attention to the places “you happened to be” that got you to the good places you are today.
Honoring Ahead: Having the faith that though I may have been robbed of things in the past, God is the one who will ultimately restore blessing to my life and to future generations.
Ruth 4: 14 – The woman said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today.
Jesus is the true legacy builder. No matter your natural history, Jesus redeems it all and places you in his family line, making you and your family a part of His redemption story!
Questions For Discussion:
1. What are some areas of legacy you are excited to pass down to the next generation?
2. How is Godly vision helping you set some of the non-negotiables for you and your family?
3. What are some areas that need more attention so you can make sure you’re saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to the right things?
4. What are some voices in your life that you may need to limit hearing from because you know they are not speaking life and hope into your future?
5. What are some ways you can increase the voice of the Lord in your family to make sure you are hearing words of life, truth, purpose, and hope?
6. What are some ways you can better honor the Lord in your past?
7. What are some ways you can better honor the Lord for your future?