It’s been said there are two certain things in this world: death and taxes. A bit cynical but it’s mostly true. Especially the death part. When we pass from this life to the next, all that remains is the legacy we leave behind with other people. But leaving a legacy happens while we’re alive too! If you’ve been wondering what kind of legacy you’re leaving in the hearts, minds, and souls of other people, these big ideas are for you.

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Leaving a Legacy is All About Impact

There is a way to live in this world where we don’t rock any boats. We can even structure our lives to never offend anyone or step on other people’s toes.

But that kind of life doesn’t result in the impact we desire.

Choosing to live out our convictions, to stand up for what we believe it, and to speak up in the deeply valuable lives of other people will have both positive and negative impacts.

We must engage in the world around. It’s simply part of our humanity.

Each interaction, positive or negative, leads to the totality of our legacy. Whether it’s our interaction with a store clerk or our spouse. Every moment in life our legacy is growing and changing…sometimes for good…and sometimes for bad.

Choosing to Leave a Legacy We Are Proud Of

Good, positive legacies aren’t accidental.

The natural inclination of humankind is self-centered, meaning destruction and hurt in the lives of others is very easy to do if we simply go about life without thinking.

But few people if anyone truly desire to leave a bad legacy where they are remembered as worthless, horrible, cruel people.

Most of us, and especially those brave enough to read this article, want to leave an incredible legacy. A lasting one. One of positive impact with as many people as possible.

To reach that goal, our lives must be full of intentional decisions with actions that follow.

Remember, leaving a legacy is all about impact, not privately held thoughts.

Crystal McDowell shared her 10 Things I Want to be Remembered For, which is a great primer for us to consider what would make a legacy we are proud of. I especially love her selection of joy in the midst of difficulty, giving and receiving grace, modeling forgiveness, and giving my time, treasure, and talents to Kingdom work.

Maybe you identify with similar ideas or have a few of your own.

To achieve them as impressions in the attitudes of others, we must live them out.

Legacies are really nothing more than a history of actions combined with how those actions make other people feel.

Being Intentional with Our Legacy

I get it. Life is tough enough already without a preoccupation of how our legacy is doing day in and day out.

But we can lessen the burden by simply focusing on our intentionality.

Decide right now what kind of legacy you would be proud to leave in the hearts and minds of other people.

Just pick a few things like:

• Being a more present parent, spouse, or friend
• Forgiving quicker when hurt
• Being emotionally available
• Attentive to the needs of others
• Other-centered rather than self-centered
• A hard worker
• Joyful
• Merciful
• A curious thinking
• Avid reader
• A good friend

Because the root of leaving a great legacy resides in good actions, all we have to do if model good behavior more and more each day.

If we want others to view us as emotionally available, all we need to do is become better listeners and open up our own feelings as they open up theirs.

If we want to be known as a hard worker, well, that should be pretty self-explanatory.

I think you get the idea.

Leaving a legacy we are proud of is less to do with an intricate game of playing chess and more to do with being intentional with our actions. It’s a simple game of checkers, engaging others in ways that support, encourage, inspire, and challenge them to live fuller lives.

If we do that, an incredible legacy will be a sure thing.

If you feel encouraged, consider doing these 3 things:

1. Leave a comment below and tell me what kind of legacy you would be proud to leave.
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3. Share this message with your social network, friends, or family. All of us can become more intentional about the legacy we are leaving in the hearts and minds of other people.

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