Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20 NLT
A lasting legacy isn’t measured by what you leave behind in money, houses, or possessions. It is measured by the people whose lives are impacted by your sacrificial investments in them. Our world is very connected today and God maximizes all we do. The legacy of your life is not limited to your lifespan. We can make powerful investments in people we will never meet until eternity by wisely investing now.
Faith passed on is a treasure no one can steal. How do we do that? There are so many ways, I could write a book about them. But here’s a list in no particular order of ways guaranteed to yield a tremendous return on your investment.
- Pray for and with people. Just do it. Take the opportunity when they are hurting to say, “Can I pray with you right now?” Most of the time they will be grateful.
- Write and verbally share encouragement. Be known for what and whom you are for, not what you’re against.
- Praise God without being obnoxiously braggy about the acts of God in your life. Share simply and humbly.
- Give to the ministries of your local church. You are touching people together you could never reach alone. But don’t let that be the extent of what you do with your money. Allow your heart to be touched by special needs presented and be willing to sacrificially go above and beyond from time to time.
- Keep some money in a special place (I know this can be challenging – it often is for me but is SUCH a blessing) to spontaneously give to people who need help. It might be someone on a street corner. It might be paying for that elderly woman’s groceries in front of you at the store, helping a young person who is trying to buy $5 worth of gas, or assisting someone God impresses on your heart. God is so good – we have done this all of our lives and have seen God respond with blessings for those folks. But He has also given us supreme confidence that He will always meet all of our needs too. Be sure to give to missions. Won’t it be overwhelming in heaven to have someone from another continent thank you for helping them come to Jesus?
Share your home and your family. No one is looking for perfection. They seek friendship and guidance. You can give it. There’s so much more … but God will show you if you want to know.
- One last thing, have a will. And make the most important part of it honoring God with your resources, then sharing your love and faith one last time with loved ones.