As moms, we often hear about leaving a legacy, but the actual steps to begin can feel overwhelming. The word “legacy” might bring to mind grand estates or financial inheritances, but true legacy-building goes far beyond money. It’s about creating a lasting impact that honors God and shapes future generations. Today, I’m sharing five practical, Bible-inspired ways you can start building your family’s legacy – no matter where you are in your journey.
Start with Intentional Financial Habits
Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."
Financial stewardship is a cornerstone of legacy-building, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to begin:
Create a Simple Budget Tracking System:
- Start with the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and giving
- Use tools like our Legacy Builder Budget Template to track expenses
- Review your spending weekly as a family
- Celebrate small wins and progress together
Set Aside a Portion for Giving:
- Begin with a dedicated “giving envelope” or account
- Practice tithing as a family
- Look for opportunities to give beyond money (time, talents, resources)
- Share testimonies of God’s provision through giving
Teach Your Children About Money Through Daily Activities:
- Use grocery shopping as a lesson in comparison shopping
- Create three jars: spending, saving, and giving
- Include children in basic budget discussions
- Play money-management games together
- Practice delayed gratification through saving goals
Document Your Family’s Values
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Your family’s values are the compass that guides your legacy. Make them explicit and intentional:
Write Down Your Family’s Core Values:
- Schedule a family meeting to discuss what matters most
- Choose 5-7 key values that align with Scripture
- Create visual reminders around your home
- Review and discuss values regularly
Create a Family Mission Statement:
- Include input from all family members
- Base it on biblical principles
- Make it memorable and actionable
- Display it prominently in your home
- Review it annually and adjust as needed
Share Stories That Demonstrate These Values:
- Keep a family journal of “values in action”
- Share testimonies during family devotions
- Create a digital or physical scrapbook
- Record video messages for future generations
- Celebrate when family members exemplify these values
Build Daily Legacy Moments
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Legacy building happens in the small moments of everyday life:
Create Intentional Dinner Conversations:
- Use conversation starter cards
- Share “highs and lows” of the day
- Practice gratitude sharing
- Discuss a Bible verse or devotional
- Share family history stories
Establish Meaningful Family Traditions:
- Create monthly service projects
- Establish holiday rituals
- Start weekly family game nights
- Plan quarterly family retreats
- Develop morning and bedtime routines that include prayer and Scripture
Take Time for One-on-One Connections:
- Schedule regular “dates” with each child
- Create individual prayer journals
- Share special skills or hobbies
- Listen actively and validate feelings
- Make space for deep conversations
Practice Wise Stewardship
Luke 16:10 says, "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Stewardship extends beyond finances to all areas of life:
Teach Responsibility Through Age-Appropriate Tasks:
- Create chore charts that grow with your children
- Implement allowance systems tied to responsibilities
- Teach basic home management skills
- Include children in meal planning and preparation
- Show how to care for possessions
Model Good Financial Decisions:
- Talk through purchasing decisions out loud
- Show how to compare prices and value
- Demonstrate using coupons and sales wisely
- Explain investing basics
- Share both successes and learning moments
Share the ‘Why’ Behind Your Choices:
- Connect decisions to biblical principles
- Explain long-term consequences
- Discuss opportunity costs
- Show how choices affect others
- Relate current decisions to future goals
Plan for Future Generations
Proverbs 13:22 says, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous."
Think beyond today to create a lasting impact:
Start Emergency Savings:
- Build a 3-6 month emergency fund
- Set up automatic transfers
- Create specific savings goals
- Teach children to save for emergencies
- Review and adjust savings regularly
Create Important Family Documents:
- Write a family legacy letter
- Organize important papers
- Create a will and estate plan
- Document family medical history
- Keep a record of family traditions
Share Family History and Stories:
- Record interviews with grandparents
- Create a family timeline
- Document family recipes
- Preserve special photographs
- Write down family testimonies
Building a legacy isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about small, consistent actions that align with God’s principles. Each intentional choice you make today creates ripples that will impact generations to come. Remember, legacy-building is a journey, not a destination. Start with these five simple steps, and trust that God will multiply your faithful efforts.
Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, ad for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection Questions
- When you picture the legacy you want to leave, what do you want your children (or future generations) to remember most about your faith, character, and values?
- Which of the 5 simple ways from this post feels the easiest to start this week — and what’s one small action you can take in the next 24 hours?
- What’s one habit, pattern, or distraction that’s been quietly pulling you away from intentional living — and what boundary could you put in place to protect what matters most?
- How are you currently stewarding what God has already placed in your hands (time, money, relationships, gifts) — and where do you sense He’s inviting you to be more faithful?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the family You’ve entrusted to me and the legacy You’re building through my everyday choices. Help me not to feel overwhelmed by the big picture, but to be faithful in the small steps right in front of me. Give me wisdom to lead my home with intention, courage to make changes where I need to, and a heart that honors You in how I steward my time, finances, and relationships. Teach me to model faith, integrity, and love so that what I pass down is more than memories—it’s a foundation rooted in You. Guide my decisions this week, and let my life point my family to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Free 5-Day Legacy Builder Challenge
Want a simple starting point? Download the free 5-Day Legacy Builder Challenge (PDF) to get clarity and take practical next steps with your finances, values, and family traditions.
Want support and accountability as you build your legacy? Join us inside the group.