013 - 6 steps to leave a legacy
In 2 Kings 13:20-21, we encounter a powerful message about legacy through a remarkable story. The passage describes the death of Elisha, a prophet of God, and an extraordinary event that follows his passing. When a group of individuals buried a man, they saw a raiding band approaching and hastily cast the deceased into Elisha’s grave. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came back to life and stood on his feet. This scene is a vivid reminder of how the faithfulness and obedience of one person can impact others, even long after their death.
I recently released a podcast episode about this story.
Understanding Legacy
A legacy is the lasting impact we leave behind—what we are remembered for, the values we instill, and the influence we have on the lives of others. It often encompasses our relationships, faith, and the lessons we impart.
1. Invest in Relationships
The story underlines the importance of relationships. Elisha had built a legacy of faith through his interactions and mentorship with others. We can leave a similar legacy by investing time in our relationships with family, friends, and community. Genuine connections can transform lives, encouraging others to follow the teachings of Jesus and live out their faith.
2. Live with Purpose
Elisha’s life was marked by purpose: he served God and his people relentlessly. To leave a legacy, we must live with intention and direction. Ask yourself, "What values or principles am I modeling in my daily life?" Whether in business, family, or friendships, living purposefully allows for our actions to speak of Christ’s love and grace.
3. Share Your Faith
Elisha not only lived out his faith; he also boldly proclaimed it. Our legacy as followers of Jesus can be strengthened through the sharing of our faith journey with others. This can be through formal methods like Bible studies or informal conversations. When we articulate our experiences and the role of faith in our lives, we can inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God.
4. Be a Source of Hope
The resurrection of the dead man signifies hope, which is a central tenet of our Christian faith. By embodying hope in our lives—through showing grace in difficult situations, forgiveness, and support—we create an environment where others can experience and perceive the hope of Christ.
5. Embrace Serving Others
Legacy is also about action and service. By helping those in need, volunteering our time, and being active in our community, we not only show Christ's love but also inspire others to do the same. Serving is a tangible way to impact lives now while also fostering a culture of giving that can outlast our time on earth.
6. Invest in the Next Generation
Finally, the legacy we leave is significantly shaped by how we invest in future generations. Mentoring younger individuals, whether in faith or life skills, ensures that the values we hold dear continue to affect others. The transformative experiences we pass on can lead to a ripple effect of faithfulness.
Conclusion
Just as Elisha's life and ministry continued to resonate after his passing, we too can create a legacy that glorifies God. By investing in relationships, living purposefully, sharing our faith, being sources of hope, serving, and mentoring, we can ensure that our influence endures. As we reflect on the lessons from 2 Kings 13:20-21, let us commit to leaving a legacy that points others towards a deeper relationship with Jesus, cultivating a faithful community long after we are gone.