Week of March 16th – My Legacy

Key Thought:
My kids are going to mimic my life. They are watching and learning from my life and they will probably act toward their family in the same ways that I act toward them. They will probably believe the same things that I believe. They will probably say some of the exact same things that I say. What I value, is becoming their value system. It’s scary to realize, I’m leaving them a legacy of lifestyle.

The way I live my life and the things my life produces are also leaving a legacy for other people in my life. Everything I leave behind that has me as part of its identity becomes my legacy. If people are afraid to take risks in life because I was too critical and harsh with them – that’s my legacy. If someone names a building after me because of my community service – that’s my legacy. If an old friend uses a quote from me – that’s my legacy. If my family is selfish and petty and lacking a work ethic – that’s my legacy.

My life can't help but make an impact. The question isn’t if I will leave a legacy, but if I will leave a Godly legacy. More important than being known as a good or even great man; more important than building buildings and growing companies; even more important than being a leader of people – the goal: am I leaving a Godly legacy? Are God’s priorities that I’ve discovered in His Word, being lived out in my life for others to see?

Sermon Highlights:
Take some time to write down some important thoughts that have stuck with you from Steve’s sermon Leave A Legacy (March 16th, 2008).

Bible Reading:
Monday – II Chronicles 17:3
Tuesday – John 13:13-15
Wednesday – Philippians 3:17-21
Thursday – II Thessalonians 3:7-9
Friday – I Timothy 4:12

Key Questions to Ponder During the Week:

1. Have you ever seen a child mimic something from your life that embarrassed you?
2. Who is the best example of someone you looked up to as a teenager? Why was it important for you to have an example in your life?
3. Who looks up to you now?
4. Are you comfortable with playing the role of being an example to others? Is there one particular area of your life that you feel God has total control of and where you would be a good example to others?
5. If your funeral was today, who would attend, and what would be your legacy as expressed by your friends and family?