Leaving A Godly Legacy That Lasts Forever
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11
Being a legacy builder does not involve a building nor is it something tangible, it is about building beliefs, values, and practices. We have been created in the image of God–the likeness of God. He was a creator, the maker, the builder, a designer and architect. So, if we are created in His image, and are functioning in our Kingdom purpose, we are legacy builders.
1. God’s Blessing
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1:28
This blessing was proclaimed over all believers, and because Jesus Christ dwells within us, we are ALL builders like God, called to multiply, fill, subdue, and take dominion on earth. We build on eternal things, though it will flow into the natural things as well. Yes, we do build churches but for the purpose of eternal life.
2. The Next Generation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Our goal is to grow the beliefs, values, and practices of Jesus into His people. These are foundational principles and key to growing or building the next generation of our legacy. Of course, we first have to allow the Holy Spirit to tear down our old beliefs, values, and practices that are contrary to the Word of God. This is the consecration and the sanctification of every believer. Our freedom from our old ways will eventually give way to the new life in Christ Jesus we then pass forward. We are blessed to be a blessing!
3. Practices and Values
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Our daily actions—how we speak, respond, and live—are shaped by the values we carry. What we truly value will always show up in how we behave. If we value truth, we won’t lie. If we value covenant, we’ll stay faithful. Godly values lead to godly practices.
As believers, our values are rooted in the Word of God. What we prioritize, make room for, and hold dear will influence every area of life. When we let God’s Word become our standard, His Spirit produces the fruit of godly excellence in us—from love and kindness to self-control and faithfulness.
4. When Values are Challenged
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
There will always be moments when your values are tested—especially when you’re faced with difficult people or challenging situations. These moments require a choice: Will you respond according to God’s Word, or give in to pressure, emotions, or what others are doing?
Each decision carries a consequence. Will you speak life or death? Choose forgiveness or hold onto offense? The fruit you experience will be tied to the choices you make.
This is where godly excellence shows up—not in easy moments, but in the challenging ones. Stay grounded in the Word, let your values lead, and trust God with the outcome.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Because we are made in the image of God, we are ALL builders, called to multiply, fill, subdue, and take dominion on earth!
Being a legacy builder does not involve a building nor is it something tangible, it is about building beliefs, values, and practices.
Practices are what we do, our actions, our behavior, our conduct, how we react to circumstances determined by our values–our beliefs in the Word of God.
