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
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce” (Proverbs 3:9)
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
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
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
“Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
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
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10)
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
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22)
Think beyond today to create 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.
As Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, knowing that from the Lord you will receive an inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Ready to dive deeper into your legacy journey? Download our free 5 Day Legacy Builder Challenge to create your personal legacy roadmap. This comprehensive guide includes our Legacy Vision Statement Template, Values Assessment, 30-Day Action Plan, and Financial Legacy Checklist to help you start building your intentional legacy today.