Often we hear of people leaving their legacy on the world, and in their families, but what does that mean?
Leaving a legacy means to hold onto heritage, history, and family identity. What is a simple and ultimately rewarding way to achieve leaving a legacy? Through stewardship.
Stewardship is a word that is somewhat outdated in the modern world but that should be held in high esteem. Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concepts of stewardship can be applied to the environment and nature, economics, health, property, information, theology, etc.
Wise stewardship is about more than just taking care of your money—it involves many facets of life, such as your talents and time. You are more than your net worth. Most people understand time to be the most valuable commodity. Donate your time and talents to the next generation, as well as the community.
Your abilities and money are gifts that have been given to you for a purpose. Don’t forget to give. On top of benefiting others’ lives, donating brings deeper satisfaction and enjoyment. A family that neglects to steward the hearts and minds of its members fails to build interfamilial relationships. That family will ultimately crumble. Building a legacy of wise decisions and counsel for your family is not something that you can save until later. Relinquishing a portion of your income can teach you and your family valuable lessons in stewardship. Those who make money their sole aim are never good stewards and often fail to leave positive legacies. But if you can give your dollars away freely, you are telling money that it has no power over you!