7 biblical reasons for leaving a legacy

Stewardship

In Amos 3:3 we’re asked the question “how can two walk together unless they agree?” First, we have to agree with God that all we have, he gave to us…our lives, family, relationship, home, money, businesses, ministries, communities…everything belongs to him. Psalm 24:1 says: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all those who dwell therein.” That tells us that we are called to be stewards or caretakers of what the Lord has given us. One day, we will have to give an account, like the story of the shrewd manager. In Luke 16 he was called to give an account of his management. He had been accused of wasting his possession. He realised he had a problem. He was about to lose his job, his position. So he put together a plan. He started preparing for the future, and he acted on his plan. He was commended for being shrewd, because he used what he had to prepare for the future. Making a will allows us to think about how we can use the possessions God has given to us to provide for our family, leave an inheritance to our children’s children, do good and share with others. The Word of God tells us with such sacrifices God is well pleased

Love and action

The chief cornerstone of the Christian faith is the fact that God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This was love and is love in action. We are called to be witnesses of Christ. We are called to be his voice, his hands, his feet, in a world that needs to hear, to see and experience the redemptive power of God in their everyday life. Making a will requires thinking about those we will leave behind and how we can help them in the days after our passing. Making a will provides an assurance of our love and concern towards them. It is love in action.

Giving

In 2 Corinthians 8 the apostle Paul wrote about the motivation of the Macedonian church, which was known for their giving. They gave because their hearts were moved by the grace of God. They were concerned about the needs of others, and eager to help others in spite of their own affliction. Their acts of love helped to unite the kingdom. in Ecclesiastes 11 King Solomon writes to encourage us to give generously, diligently and with wisdom. He wrote, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good”. No one knows which acts of kindness can change an individual, family or nation. The evidence of God’s love working in us and through us is demonstrated in our giving. In what ways can you demonstrate your love for God and others through your will? Remember, Acts 20 reminds us that Jesus said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive”.

The Great Commission

The fundamental work of the Church is to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Leaving a legacy to your church, or a Christian organisation, as a beneficiary in your will, will ensure that even after passing, you can still contribute to the advancement, building up and edification of God’s kingdom until Christ returns.

Following God’s example

The Bible is God’s will and testament. It reveals the good news of the gospel that Jesus Christ was and is the provision of God that he put in place to restore mankind’s relationship with himself after Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden. Jesus is God’s executor, the person responsible for dealing with God’s estate, the earth, and all that dwells in it. As the executor, Jesus had and still has control over the Father’s assets, to pay off any and all debt and to distribute inheritance to the beneficiaries, according to the terms of God’s will. Making a will follows a perfect example set by God in leaving us with his will – the Bible.

Good news for the future

The Bible tells us about the inheritance God has in store for us, here on earth, and in heaven for those who believe and receive Jesus Christ by faith. He is good news for us today and he’s good news for the next generation. Making a will affords you the opportunity to make a range of provisions for future generations. Whether that’s your grandchildren, your nieces and your nephews…whoever comes to your heart. What good news could you leave to be revealed in your will?