The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. (Isaiah 50:4 NLT)
Legacy is like the roots of a plant in the garden of the next generation.
In our outdoor garden we have many plants. My husband starts tomatoes, peppers, vine plants, lettuces, and other things from seed in the greenhouse. When they have sturdy root systems and strong, young stems and leaves, and when it’s finally warm enough to put them outside, he plants them in the main garden and cares for them so they can produce the fruit they were intended produce. Over the summer, those roots grow stronger, the leaves and stems grow, and the fruits and vegetables we eat will develop and ready for harvest.
There are other plants’ roots in that garden, too. Every summer I pluck out plenty of smartweeds, foxtail, lambs-quarters, and other things that grew from seed. The most obnoxious one we have is the poisonous pokeberry whose seeds will last 40 years in the ground. Ugh. Every one of these plants came from the seeds that were planted there, and they produce the fruit – or in this case, weeds – that they were designed to produce.
The “seeds” we inherit can produce good fruit or weeds.
Take a moment to think about those who have left a legacy in your life. Who has impacted you the most, for better or worse? Do you have a teacher or coach who helped or hurt you? Was there a boss or co-worker who influenced your growth or struggle? Did a parent, grandparent, or pastor help you connect with God?
Just as there are positive legacies that shape lives for the better, there are also negative legacies that can be passed down through families, cultures, or relationships. These are often painful patterns, unhealthy beliefs, or wounds that leave lasting impact unless intentionally addressed or broken.
Legacy is about what they left behind after they were gone.
Now, take a moment to think about the legacies in your life. You might even write out two lists: one for the good legacies and one for the bad. These legacies might come from people, events, or moments that shaped you.
What values, habits, or beliefs have stayed with you and shape your life today?
What messages or patterns have you inherited that you didn’t choose but still affect you?
Here are some things you may list:
Positive Roots: Compassion, Creativity, Desire to do good in the world, Faith Family, Freedoms, Good stewardship of resources, Healthy body, Healthy communication, Healthy relationships, Heart to serve other people, Love for nature, Love of adventure and exploring new things, Perseverance, Resilience, Wisdom, Work ethic
Negative Roots: Abuse, Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Bitterness, Control issues, Dishonesty (generational), Emotional suppression, Envy (generational), Fear-led family dynamics, Gossip (generational), Hypocrisy, Infidelity (generational), Legalism, Neglect, Negative self-worth, Perfectionism, Poverty, Risk aversion, Secrecy, Sexual immorality (generational), Shame, Trauma, Unforgiveness
As you know, the legacies we receive can be wonderful, enriching and godly, or they can be negative, hurtful, and ungodly. In this fallen world, we receive both. By the grace of God we can overcome the negative ones and celebrate the good ones.
God,
Thank you for the many good “roots” we have inherited. We celebrate your goodness that has been handed down from generation to generation. We also recognize that not all “roots” are godly. Today we pray for release, healing, and freedom from negative roots, family and generational curses, and anything else that is not of the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that you will help us to listen to your Word so that we have peace and righteousness flowing within us. May our physical and spiritual descendants be plentiful and strong in the Lord and your Spirit’s power. Awaken us to your understanding and your will so we can release the negative in our lives and rejoice in the positive. We ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Oh, that you had listened to my commands!
Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river
and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.
Your descendants would have been like the sands along the seashore—
too many to count!
There would have been no need for your destruction,
or for cutting off your family name. (Isaiah 48:18-19 NLT)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)