Leaving a Legacy of Eternal Significance
Today I welcome my friend Crikett Keith to my page. I met Crickett at a writer’s conference and love the way she lives her faith out loud, especially encouraging women. Today she shares thoughts about legacy and living a life that matters. It’s a timely topic as graduates step out into a new chapter, so feel free to forward this post to a graduate you know.
You can learn more about Crickett and her latest book at the end of this post. If your summer group is looking for a study, I highly recommend Living Out a Life That Matters: An 8-Week Bible Study in 2 Timothy
What do you think of when you hear the phrase, living out a life that matters?
Recently, I was cleaning out files at home and came across a folder labeled, “Mom’s 97th Birthday.” I journeyed down memory lane as I read through all the cards sent to Mom from family, friends in her hometown, and from new friends here in Memphis, where she lived out her final years. As I read the handwritten notes in each card, I was moved to tears. My mom made a difference with her life for the Lord in so many ways, and each card communicated how God used her to impact their lives—for Him.
As I finished reading the last note, I stopped to ponder, “What kind of impact am I making with my life? One that will quickly fade away, or one that has eternal significance? How will I be remembered after my life on this earth is over?”
We often associate legacy with leaving behind money or material possessions for our heirs and charities, or achieving a great accomplishment, or making a big name for ourselves. But Paul left a legacy that went far beyond those things. He left a legacy of eternal significance by living out a life that matters for the Lord— living out his God-given purpose.
So, what is a legacy of eternal significance? What does it look like?
It’s an investment in people, not things.
It's about God, not about us. It's about honoring His name, not making a name for ourselves. It's about eternal fruit, not material possessions. It's about eternal fruit, not material possessions. Share on X
Several years ago, when I was the women’s ministry director at my church, I chose the word legacy as the theme for our ministry that year. In keeping with that theme, I wrote a Bible study on 2 Timothy to help guide us through what a legacy of eternal significance looks like.
That eight-week Bible study, Living Out a Life That Matters, has just been released by Moody Publishers, and it walks us through eight qualities Paul modeled for Timothy to help him (and us) live out a life that matters for eternity: Encouragement, Faithfulness, Strength, Diligence, Vigilance, Equipping, Commitment, and Steadfastness.
The best investment we can make during our time on earth, in addition to our own spiritual health, is investing in the lives of those around us, spurring them on to be all God designed them to be.
I was with my mom when she took her last breath on this earth, and I pictured Jesus welcoming her home with open arms, saying, “Well done, Marjorie! Well done, good and faithful servant!” Mom lived a life that mattered and left a legacy of eternal significance.
My prayer for all of us is that we live our lives in such a way that when we see Him face to face, we’ll hear Him say, “Well done, faithful servant. You left a legacy of eternal significance; you lived a life that matters for eternity.”
What kind of legacy will you leave behind? Whom can you invest in today?
To learn more about leaving a legacy of eternal significance, you can find Crickett’s new Bible study, Living Out a Life That Matters: An 8-Week Bible Study in 2 Timothy, on Moody, Amazon, or anywhere that sells books. You can also download a free sample from Chapter 1 by clicking here and scrolling down to the Free Resources tab on the Moody website.
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Crickett Keeth is the author of several women’s Bible studies, including On Bended Knee, Before the Throne, and Living Out a Life That Matters. Crickett has served in ministry to women for decades on staff with Cru and large churches in Dallas and Memphis (Women’s Ministry Director). She teaches at her church in Memphis and also equips and trains other women’s ministry leaders. Crickett is a sought-after speaker at women’s conferences and retreats. Find freeresources to encourage you in your walk with God at www.crickettkeeth.com.
The Conversation
I recently went through a box of cards of my own and enjoyed reading messages from my mom. Her impact on my life is reflected in these treasured cards. Thanks for sharing Crickett’s message and book.
Barbara, I know that was such a special time of reading through cards and messages from your mom. They do spur us on to live lives that make a difference. Thanks for sharing!
Love this topic, especially now that I’m approaching my sunset years. I’d love to do this study with a group of ladies.