Blueprint

Today’s Focus: In order to leave a Godly legacy, you must intentionally set up the structure, plans and culture that you want those that follow you to maintain.

No one looks forward to the moment a last will and testament is opened and read.

First of all, it is usually during a sad time after a loved one has passed.

Secondly, everyone knows there are final instructions to be shared and, whether you like them or not, you’re obligated to fulfill your departed loved one’s wishes.

Such is the power of a legacy. When someone who has worked hard and built something significant leaves this earth, they usually leave instructions on how they want things to be done.

While God is everlasting and omnipresent, He has stepped in and out of human history in many ways. Each time He does so, He leaves a blueprint for us to follow.

In Genesis 1:28, after fashioning the heavens and the earth, He gave commands on how Adam was to function in the Garden.

When God sent Moses back down from Mount Sinai, He gave him two tablets full of His expectations.

When Jesus prepared for His ascension, He left the disciples a blueprint called the Great Commission.

From these examples, we can see that an effective, Godly legacy will always include a clear process and set of guidelines that will help the succeeding generations to replicate and protect what the founder has built.

David, who reigned over Israel for 40 years, made sure his legacy would be passed down to his son Solomon. David not only provided the blueprints, but also made sure Solomon had all the materials needed to complete the project. (1 Chronicles 28:11-13).

Why is this important for us as sons and daughters created in the image of God?

God has called us to leave landmarks, blueprints, and guidelines throughout our lives that will help the next generations succeed. If we do this right, their accomplishments can surpass our own!

This begs the question: are we even aware of the processes we are leaving behind?

Have you made note of your successes and failures?

Are you making sure you are communicating the culture, values, and morals that have shaped your life to your family and community?

If not, you are in danger of leaving the next generation with no blueprint.

Reheboam, Solomon’s son and the successor to the throne, should have had a perfect blueprint on how to run a kingdom as his father had.

Unfortunately, this blueprint was either not communicated effectively, or not accepted, because Reheboam immediately set out on a different course that permanently fractured everything his father had worked for.

If we want to leave a lasting legacy as creators, we cannot leave anything to chance!

Start today by making intentional decisions about the way you communicate what you believe.

How are you sharing your faith, your values, and your ethics with those around you?

Are you making it a priority to make these blueprints real and tangible? If you were to pass away today, would those you love and influence know exactly what they should do to carry on your legacy?

If not, now’s the time to start.

It begins with prayer and dedicating yourself to being a better steward of the blessings God has entrusted to you. Realize that these blessings do not belong to you. They are God’s, and it is your responsibility to make it easier for future generations to follow Him.

Then, begin sharing it in real, concrete, and direct ways that ensure those who will follow you will know what you stand for, and how you want things to be done when you are gone.

Now that you’re thinking about leaving a blueprint of your legacy, we’ll move on to the mindset that you want those who follow you to operate in - peace.

Application for Today:

Think through one of the key characteristics/values of your faith, your creative life, your family culture, and your relationships. Take a few moments to write down your reflections and share them with a family member or colleague so they know where you stand and what you want to pass on.