How to Build a Spiritual Legacy

At the request of my ninety-year-old mother-in-law, four generations gathered the week before Christmas for good food, fun and fellowship. The “white elephant” gifts had been opened, the dishes washed, the games played. Prayers had been offered. The afternoon wound down.

Shirley, the matriarch of the family, called everyone together for one last activity. She handed everyone a red envelope with our name on it. Christmas cards.

The room grew quiet as the cards were opened. These weren’t merely Christmas cards. Shirley had handwritten an individualized and heartfelt message to each of us. No one spoke as they read. A tear or two was brushed away.

Quiet is not a word that describes this boisterous family, but my mother-in-law rendered everyone speechless. These weren’t short messages, mind you. These cards spilled over with Shirley’s words. These were full-on love letters, filled with thanksgiving and praise for our Savior, for each of us.  

I counted a total of twenty-three squeezed in that small room: her children and spouses, grandchildren and spouses, great-grandchildren, and her sister. Everyone there who could read received a card.

Leaving a Legacy: A Gift Money Can’t Buy

A legacy is often thought of in terms of money. An inheritance. But there’s a legacy far more important than a financial legacy. The Bible makes it clear that leaving a spiritual legacy for our offspring is more important than leaving them material possessions. A gift money can’t buy.

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So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me

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until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

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(Psalm 71:18)

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Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children

and your children's children.

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(Deuteronomy 4:9)

In these verses, the Bible teaches it’s better to build healthy virtues and good character in our kids and grandkids than leave them with financial gains. It’s better to show them God’s love and our love for God. By doing so, we point the generations to come to Him. And only with Him, will they find abundant life.

What a legacy I’ve watched Shirley weave for her offspring.

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

My sister-in-law is creating another legacy for her family. Brenda writes an individualized prayer she prays for each of her four grown children every year on their birthday. This is how her daughter Penny summarized it:

“I guess she started doing this ten or more years ago. When she gives us a birthday card, she usually starts it out with something like this, ‘Today, I pray this prayer for you.’ Then she writes down a long prayer for us.”

The prayer Penny shared is filled with thanksgiving for her and the family she’s creating; affirms her hard work and other virtues; and asks for God’s blessings and forgiveness to continue to pour into Penny’s life.

To say these prayers mean a lot to my nephew and nieces is an understatement.

In Proverbs, King Solomon writes specifically about a grandparent’s legacy.

“Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren.“

(Proverbs 13:22)

A Grandparent’s Legacy

Now that I’m a Grami, I’m thinking about the spiritual legacy I want to leave. What does this look like for grandparents? Modeling a godly life is important, but we have to be more intentional with how we share our faith as well as consider the ages of our grandkids.

Simple and Specific Suggestions For Sharing Our Faith with Grandkids

• When we’re outside with grandkids or driving in a car, we can casually point out God’s beautiful creation: “Oh, look at these beautiful mountains God gave us.”

• Show them prayer is a natural part of our day. Speak sentence prayers aloud: “Lord, help us find our destination.” “God, thank you for this delicious milkshake.”  “Thank you for watching over us during this thunderstorm, Father!”

• If one mentions that a friend is sick, ask if they’d like you to pray a short prayer with them. If a classmate is having a difficult time at school, talk through how they can be a friend to him.

Just be natural, and don’t force anything.

My oldest grandchild just turned sixteen. Borrowing from my sister-in-law, Brenda, I wrote a prayer for him in his birthday card. I thanked God for him. I called him one of my greatest blessings in life. I acknowledged his talent and hard work with music. I asked God to continue to watch over him and direct his steps. I told him how much I loved him.

Sixteen seems a good age to receive such a card from Grami. But it could come earlier for the others. Thirteen, maybe? I think it depends on each individual. One thing is certain. As my mother-in-law’s Christmas cards showed me, our kids will never be too old to be impressed and touched by such a gift.

What spiritual legacy did someone in your family leave you that impacted your life for Christ? What suggestions do you have for passing on a spiritual legacy? I need more ideas.

The Bible teaches it’s better to build healthy virtues and good character in our kids and grandkids than leave them with financial gains.#legacy #grandparents Share on X

“Legacy”

I want to leave a legacyHow will they remember me?Did I choose to love?Did I point to You enoughTo make a mark on thingsI want to leave an offeringA child of mercy and graceWho blessed Your name unapologeticallyAnd leave that kind of legacy

As I wrote this, I was reminded of Christian artist Nichole Nordeman’s “Legacy” a long-time favorite. (Click Nichole Nordeman to enjoy the song.)

Thanks for reading and sharing!

Until next time,

Candyce

Nordeman, Nichole, “Leave a Legacy.” Woven and Spun, 2002. Apple Music.