"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14). 

Have you ever received an inheritance? Who left it to you, and what did they leave you?

Inheritance. When I ponder the word "inheritance" in regard to my own life, I think of a few tokens of my Mother's personal property that I received after her death—a few pieces of jewelry, some of her cookbooks and recipes, and a few treasured pictures. I also think of the valuable life lessons I learned from her through the years. Since my dad died when I was a young adult, I don't have any of his personal possessions. But I do possess some things I treasure even more—memories of him as a God-honoring dad—his character, honesty, wisdom, and faith. 

Legacy. So, when I think of the word "legacy," I wonder, "What legacy will I pass down to the next generation?" Do I want to spend the time I have left on this earth striving to attain money, property, or fame? Do I want to collect great recipes, valuable artwork, or memorable photos? What "things" are really important to me?

Promise. Ephesians 1:13-14 reminds me of the "inheritance" I have receive as a Christ-follower—I have been given "the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance." As a believer in Christ, I have been given "glorious riches ... Christ (God’s Word) in (me), the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

Focus. What legacy do I want to leave the next generation? Although I do hope to leave my loved ones some memories and keepsakes of our relationship. I want my legacy to be based upon more than some earthly possessions I leave behind. 

So, as I build my legacy, I choose to focus on my spiritual blessings, "... the glorious riches of ... Christ (God’s Word) in (me), the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).  I choose this focus because my faith affects every area of my life—my relationships, my work, and my possessions.

What legacy will you leave for the next generation?

YouTube/Nichole Nordeman - Legacy