Leaving A Legacy
Title: Leaving a Legacy That Lasts: Lessons from the Life of David
Have you ever wondered what people will remember about you after you’re gone? While it’s easy to get caught up in everyday routines, it’s important to pause and reflect on the kind of legacy you’re building with your life. Inspired by a recent sermon series on the life of King David, as shared by Charlie Wallace, this blog post explores the essential traits of leaving a godly, positive legacy.
Whether you’re just starting to ponder your legacy, or you’ve been thinking about it for years, the good news is it’s never too early—or too late—to start shaping it.
What Will Your Legacy Be?
Charlie Wallace opens with a question that resonates with all of us: “Have you ever thought what you would want put on your tombstone?” While the phrase is often used as a lighthearted TV commercial tagline, the underlying meaning is profound. Most tombstones simply mark dates or give a brief description, but the truth is, our lives are far deeper and more nuanced than a sentence on a grave marker or obituary.
Your true legacy is not carved in stone, but lived out through the impact you have on others—family, friends, coworkers, and community members. It’s not determined at the end, but created each day, in the choices you make and the values you demonstrate.
The Power of a Godly Legacy
The story of King David provides a rich example of building a meaningful legacy. In his final days, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 29, David’s actions and words offer three vital lessons for those seeking to leave a lasting, positive mark:
Legacy Leavers Exalt God
Legacy Leavers Give to God
Legacy Leavers Celebrate God
Let’s dive into each of these traits and see how they can guide us today.
1. Legacy Leavers Exalt God
David’s life was far from perfect—he experienced victories and defeats, moments of deep faith and tragic failure. Yet, what set him apart was his heart for God. As Wallace points out, “Legacy leavers exalt God. They give credit to God for whatever legacy they leave.” David didn’t take credit for his success, his wealth, or his influence. Instead, he gathered the people and blessed the Lord publicly, acknowledging God as the source of everything good:
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the Heavens and in the earth is yours.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)
Why is exalting God in your legacy so important?
It centers your legacy on God’s character. Your accomplishments, no matter how significant, are fleeting if they’re not rooted in something eternal. When your legacy highlights God’s faithfulness, it points others to the One who never fails.
It models humility for younger generations. Whether you realize it or not, others are watching you—your children, grandchildren, coworkers, and neighbors. Demonstrating humility by giving credit to God teaches them where true strength and wisdom are found.
It unites the people of God. When your life is focused on God’s glory, rather than personal recognition, it fosters unity instead of division. As Wallace wisely states, “Personal claim divides the people of God. God-centered exaltation is unifying.”
2. Legacy Leavers Give to God
A pivotal element of David’s legacy was his generosity. In preparation for building the temple—though he himself would never see it completed—David gave extravagantly from his personal wealth and stirred the leaders and people to do the same. His example demonstrates that a true legacy involves heartfelt giving.
As Wallace explains, “Legacy leavers give to God.” This isn’t limited to just time or talent, but includes financial giving—supporting God’s work and blessing others out of gratitude for all God has given. David saw his resources not as something he owned, but as blessings to be returned to God:
“For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)
Giving is not about the size of the gift, but the intention of the heart. When you give freely and joyfully, you not only make an impact, but also free yourself from the grip of materialism.
Wallace challenges listeners: “If you love God and you’re thankful for him saving you, then you should want the church to thrive and you should want people to be saved through ministry… Anything you give from your heart, God’s going to bless for his people, and he’s going to bless you by giving it.”
3. Legacy Leavers Celebrate God
There’s a contagious joy that flows from a life centered on God’s goodness. After gathering resources for the temple, David didn’t just order the work to begin. He led the people in a lavish celebration—a feast and offering that would amount to millions of dollars today—all given simply to honor and praise God for what He had done.
Worship and celebration were integral to David’s legacy. As Wallace illustrates:
“Can you imagine spending two to three million dollars just to praise the Lord for the temple that’s about to be built?... This is extreme worship. Extreme sacrifice. And you know what? When it was over, they ate and drank with great gladness. They were fine with it. They slept fine at night.”
Legacy isn’t built on somber duty, but on joyful celebration of God’s grace. When you make a habit of praise—singing, giving thanks, and honoring God in big and small ways—you encourage others to do the same. The early church saw this effect as well, as described in Acts 2:46-47—worship, fellowship, and generosity led to lasting impact and daily growth.
Start Building Your Legacy Today
David’s final prayer wasn’t just about finishing a task, but about the hearts of those who would come after him:
“O Lord, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.” (1 Chronicles 29:18)
You don’t need a royal title or vast riches to leave a meaningful legacy. Every decision, word, and act of kindness weaves into your life’s story—the one others will remember and be inspired by.
Ask yourself:
Are you giving God the credit for your successes?
Are you modeling humility and faith for those watching you?
Are you generous in supporting God’s work and helping others?
Are you known for your joy and celebration of God’s goodness?
If you’re not where you want to be, remember—change starts today. Grace abounds for those who seek it, and God specializes in guiding willing hearts to leave legacies that outlast their own lives.
As Wallace encouraged, “Start thinking about what kind of legacy you’re leaving, whether you’re older in life, younger, or in the middle.” The path you walk now shapes the legacy you’ll leave behind.
Let’s live and love in such a way that our legacy points others beyond us—to the God who gave us everything.
Tags: leaving a legacy, King David, Christian living, generosity, worship, humility, spiritual growth, Christian legacy, church leadership, biblical inspiration
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Discover how to build a legacy that lasts, inspired by the life of King David. Learn the three keys to a godly legacy—exalting God, giving generously, and celebrating His goodness—with practical steps from a recent sermon. Start shaping your impact today!
