Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship, Part 3

As we finish this series on legacy building based upon a life well lived, we turn our focus to the topic of reward.

We know that nurturing a life legacy based upon biblical and moral principles holds a deep spiritual significance that blesses us far beyond any financial gain we may receive. Also, we have looked at how professional financial planning built upon a lifetime commitment to personal responsibility not only makes us better stewards of our resources, but also sets a solid example of what it means to live a life for kingdom purpose.

However, living this life is not without its questions and concerns.

How should we resolve the conflict that may arise when we consider how to properly manage and enjoy the rewards we are blessed with in life against those we are promised to receive in heaven? Will we be judged by our fellow Christians, and more importantly, by God, if we put too much value on the earthly gains we receive?

This final look will offer some thoughts that may help answer these and other difficult questions that arise when considering the many rewards of a life well lived.

Part Three: Legacy and Reward

When considering the concept of legacy and reward within the context of a life well lived, it is essential to discuss how to conscientiously handle the resources and gifts entrusted to us by God. Should we as Christians feel guilt or shame for the wealth we have accumulated on earth? Alternatively, is it wiser to consider wealth as having a higher purpose and a product of a life well lived in the service of God?

It is normal to value possessions gained, such as a medal for winning a race, or a certificate of achievement that acknowledges hard work for a job well done. Living well is often its own reward. However, for these earthly gains to have a higher purpose, they need a greater source of goodness.

Although individuals can remain faithful under any circumstance (through God’s sustaining power), financial stability provides one platform on which we as Christians can serve God’s kingdom purpose.

Using our time, talent, and treasure to good purpose, such as helping those in need, taking the time and energy to be kind to others, and being generous in your tithing to the church and giving to ministries are examples of using your rewards in a way to be cherished by others. This goodness cannot be bought or sold, but must be lived.

Although we are taught as Christians that faith is not about reward, the Bible does speak of reward in heaven for living out our faith here on earth. The promised rewards that await us in heaven do not preclude us from gathering rewards on earth. That said, these rewards may be simple and may not necessarily include significant financial gain. You can leave a legacy even if you aren’t wealthy. Building a strong legacy is as much about relationships as it is about financial responsibility.

As Christian financial planners, it is our responsibility to guide our clients toward prosperity while inspiring them to recognize the value in giving and living with purpose.

Much of your legacy will be written after you are gone. Putting your affairs in order now will make financial decisions easier for your family and loved ones when they are called upon to steward your estate.

As you consider your final wishes, take time to communicate the things that are at the core of your belief system. Most people want to make sure that the positive impact they have worked for and believed in does not just fade away, but that the good work continues.

Be sure to contact Ambassador Advisors to make sure your affairs are in order, your financial accounts are titled correctly, and that all things are set to make continuing your legacy as easy as possible.

Investing in a way that is genuinely Christian requires a particular worldview. We can’t know what the future holds, but as Christian investors, we can know that God holds our future in his hands. Our investment in our faith, as well as our trust in the love of God, is never misplaced.

Sources

Culture of Honor: Sustaining a Supernatural Environment Paperback – December 1, 2009, by Danny Silk  (Author), Bill Johnson (Foreword)

https://www.ocbfchurch.org/weekly-devotion/kingdom-stewardship/the-rewards-of-kingdom-stewardship/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/serving-bible-verses/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2019/02/08/leaving-a-legacy-no-matter-how-much-money-you-have/#61d2619e41e4

http://www.hopebiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/StewardshipPrinciples.pdf

https://www.ambassadoradvisors.com/

https://mlaem.fs.ml.com/content/dam/ML/Articles/pdf/ml_LegacyStudy_Final.pdf

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2019/02/08/leaving-a-legacy-no-matter-how-much-money-you-have/#934617541e4c

https://christianleadershipalliance.org/blog/2019/02/08/transactional-versus-transformational-giving-by-robert-yi/

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