Inheritance and Spiritual Legacy
As Thanksgiving approaches this year, I am reflecting on the spiritual legacy in our family. A legacy is a gift handed down through generations—truths, wisdom, and faith passed from one hand to the next. Proverbs 13:22 says:
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (NKJV).
Have you thought about the legacy you have inherited and the legacy you are leaving behind? What impact will you leave on the world when you're gone? Leaving a meaningful spiritual legacy means passing down spiritual truths and wisdom—not only to our children, but to all who look to us for guidance. If you don't yet have an inspiring spiritual legacy, start building one now. It's never too late. It will bless future generations.
Family traditions evolve as they should, but a spiritual legacy endures beyond our lifetime. My spiritual legacy began years before I was born. My father’s mother attended church and would mend the pastor’s clothing or robe for free. She was an extraordinary cook, so I’m sure she invited guests after church to enjoy her delicious pies. My mother’s great-uncle was a circuit pastor in Texas, riding his horse from church to church. My grandfather donated the property for the first Baptist Church in Grapevine, Texas, and my great-aunt lived across the street, diligently serving there. My grandmother played the piano and sang in church. When I was five years old, my grandmother died, but I still remember her vividly. At Thanksgiving, she would gather my sister and me and ask the question, “Why do we need to be thankful?” We would usually yell out, “Because of God!”
Thanksgiving is approaching soon, and many of us are planning our menu or making restaurant reservations. Our family Thanksgiving celebrations have been at our home for many years, and I enjoy the thrill of decorating, setting the tables, and handing out the list of who brings what. When the day arrives, the house is full of chatter as the aroma of turkey, dressing, and vegetables fills the air. After dinner, we all sit, talk (as if there hasn’t been enough chatting before), take catnaps, or watch football. At the close of the evening, when everyone has gone home, George and I sit quietly and muse over the day with grateful hearts.
George also came from a spiritual legacy. His grandparents and parents were believers who frequently spoke of the Lord. In fact, I was blessed to speak with his mom about our favorite hymns and scriptures before she passed this year. Family traditions change, but the memories and legacy last beyond our lifetime. As Psalm 145:4 says:
“What you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will proclaim your mighty acts” (GNT).
Whether or not you came from a family legacy like mine, you have an inheritance from the Lord. In Scripture, an inheritance refers to the passing down of spiritual principles, property, and rights from one generation to another. This is evident throughout the Old and New Testaments. We should be thankful for our inheritance because it came at a great price. Jesus died and rose again so we could receive an inheritance as His sons and daughters. As 2 Corinthians 6:18 says:
“’And I will be a Father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty” (NASB).
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” - Galatians 3:26
Just as we enjoy a spiritual legacy from those who have gone before us, we also bask in our legacy and inheritance that comes from the Lord.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17 NIV
As His children, we are given the knowledge of His will and spiritual understanding. The blood of Jesus seals our inheritance for eternity.
The word "thanks" is used one hundred times in Scripture. When you divide the word "thankful," you see "thank and full." "Thanks" for who He is and "full" of all He has given us. When we are thankful, we are praising the Lord for everything He has done for us. He delights in our praises and thanksgiving. As David writes:
"I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High."- Psalm 7:17
Our duty is to pass this heart of thankfulness to those who follow us from generation to generation. As Psalm 103:17b says:
"Your faithfulness to keep every gracious promise you've made passes from parents, to children, to grandchildren, and beyond" (TPT).
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, take a moment to prayerfully ask yourself what you might do differently this year to create a lasting spiritual legacy.
Let's pray
(For those who have received a spiritual legacy).
Lord, I am deeply grateful for the spiritual legacy that has been passed down to me. You placed me in this family, and I thank You for those who came before me and taught the next generation the importance of faith in You. Help me continue this legacy for the generations that follow. Praise You, my Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(For those without a spiritual legacy).
Lord, I praise You for the ability to begin a spiritual legacy for my family. It is never too late, and I thank You for opening my eyes to this calling. I commit to starting this Thanksgiving, regardless of the attitude of those around me. I trust that this legacy can continue onward, even if it skips generations. Guide me as I build a spiritual heritage for those who follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
