Often when we talk about a legacy, we think about the money and the goods someone has left, but a legacy should be much more than this.
Over the past week we have heard a great deal about the legacy her late Majesty has left.
The legacy of the Queen is enormous, perhaps her greatest epitaph will be her dedication to public service, her faith and her sense of duty. Being remembered as a symbol of stability and resilience, helping to build peace and reconciliation across the commonwealth.
What would you like to be remembered for? How will people sum up your life and work, and your impact upon others?
Too many people are remembered in history for their negative acts. Wouldn’t it be better to be remembered for the positive actions and differences you have made.
The Bible gives us lots of examples to aim for:
In Hebrews we read “encourage one another daily,…..so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (3:13).
In Ephesians; “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (4:32).
Will we be remembered for our attitude of forgiveness and compassion, for our encouragement and inspiring of others?
Everyone leaves a legacy whether they plan to or not. Everything we say or do leaves an impression of our lives on those around us. In order to leave a good legacy, we need to be deliberate and planned in our actions. Our conduct, even more than our words, displays our faith and creates a lasting impression in people’s memories of us.
Now is the time to think about what sort of legacy you want to leave.