What Will Outlive Me?

Scripture

Psalm 145:4 (NIV)
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”

Additional Scripture References

• Hebrews 11:1
• Genesis 15:6
• Luke 16:10
• Matthew 6:19–20

Main Idea

Each and every one of us is building something; our careers, families, reputations, or dreams. But heres the truth: not everything we build will last. The question isn’t "if" we will leave a legacy, but ^{what kind of legacy we’ll leave}. A godly legacy doesn’t come from temporary approval; it’s built on things like faith, consistency, and obedience.

Legacy isn’t about what you achieve. It’s about what you leave behind that points people to God.

Legacy Begins with What You Believe

Scripture

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Overview

Far too often, people think legacy begins with success or money. And though, those may be great things in the eyes of many, thats not where true legacy begins. A true legacy begins with what you believe about God. What you believe in your heart will always shape your choices, your values, and the story you’ll leave behind. Abraham didn’t leave wealth; he left faith. His belief became the foundation for generations.

If you don’t build your life on God’s promises, you’ll build it on your emotions.

Deeper Dive

Abraham’s story in Genesis 15:6 shows us that belief isn’t just something private. it should be a public declaration of trust. In his culture, where success was measured by land and heirs, Abraham had neither. Can you imagine that? The feeling of not having what everyone else believed was "true success"? Yet in the midst of that feeling, he chose to believe God’s promise. That single choice shifted the course history. His faith became righteousness, not because of what he had, but because of who he trusted.

Faith still works the same way today. What we believe about God impacts every single aspect of our lives! Our families, friendships, and future. When our confidence is built on His promises and Him as our firm foundation, rather than our feelings, we create something that outlasts trends and trials. Each decision rooted in faith lays another brick in the legacy God is building through us.

Question

What’s one area of your life where you’ve struggled to trust God completely? How might your decision to believe impact the people who come after you?

Legacy Is Built in the Ordinary

Scripture

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10

Overview

Most people want the impact without the process. They want the Platform, without the private discipline. They want the influence, but not the sacrifice. But God builds legacies in the ordinary before revealing them in the extraordinary.

• David’s story didn't start with Goliath, it started with sheep.
• Ruth's story didn't start with Boaz, it started in a field.
• Daniel’s story didn't start in a palace, it started in prayer.

LEGACY ISN’T BORN IN MOMENTS OF GLORY. IT’S FORGED IN MOMENTS OF GRIND.

Deeper Dive

When we look at the bible and all of these "biblical heroes" we see that God consistently worked through people who were faithful in obscurity. David learned courage in the fields long before Goliath. Ruth’s faithfulness in an unnoticed field caught heaven’s attention. Daniel’s quiet devotion in exile positioned him for influence in the palace. Their ordinary obedience became the training ground for extraordinary legacy.

The truth is, it's tempting to chase recognition, but ^{God values consistency over applause}. Legacy grows in our everyday choices:

• The prayers when you’re tired.
• The service when no one sees.
• The “yes” when you don’t feel like it.

Every quiet act of faith continues to build that legacy. That’s how God shapes people whose legacies endure.

Question

What’s an area of your life that feels small or unseen right now? How might God be using that to build something lasting in you?

Live for What Outlives You

Scripture

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Matthew 6:19–20

Overview

At some point, ^{faith and faithfulness have to turn into focus}. You weren’t created to just exist, you were created to make impact in this generation and for generations to come. Legacy isn’t built on comfort; it’s built on conviction and sacrifice.

LEGACY ISN’T ABOUT BEING REMEMBERED—IT’S ABOUT MAKING JESUS KNOWN.

Deeper Dive

In Matthew 6 we see something quite intriguing; Jesus shifts our focus from possessions to purpose. If you look at the historical context of who this was written for its quite interesting. It was written to farmers, fishermen, and merchants. All of these people understood how fragile earthly treasures were. Moths ruined clothing. Rust destroyed metal. Thieves took valuables. Jesus wasn’t condemning wealth; He was redirecting hearts toward what lasts.

Our culture tells us to build resumes and collect followers, but God calls us to build people and invest in eternity. When you choose obedience over comfort, generosity over greed, and serving over status, you’re living for what outlives you. Every act of faith becomes a seed that outlives your name and multiplies for God’s glory.

Question

What’s one step you can take this week to live for what outlives you—something that makes Jesus known rather than making yourself known?

Summary

Legacy isn’t built in a single moment; it’s built one choice at a time. It begins with faith, grows through faithfulness, and lives on through obedience. Every decision to trust God, every act of consistency, and every moment of surrender adds up to a story that points people to Him.

The truth is, ^{you are living your legacy right now.} The question is, will it glorify God or glorify you?

Call to Action

Take time this week to pause and ask, “What will outlive me?” Don’t wait until the end of your life to think about your legacy. Start building it now, through prayer, obedience, and intentional living. Stop living for what fades and start living for what lasts.

Stop building a name for yourself and start building people for eternity.

Prayer Prompts

1. Faith: Ask God to strengthen your belief so your life is built on His promises, not your emotions.
2. Faithfulness: Pray for consistency in the small, unseen areas of your life where legacy is being shaped.
3. Focus: Ask God to shift your heart from earthly success to eternal significance.
4. Surrender: Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you’ve chased comfort instead of conviction.
5. Impact: Pray that your life would point people to Jesus long after you’re gone.