Legacy, what we say and do now that will stay with others once we are gone, is often overlooked in our daily lives. We get caught up in the “flavor of the day” on the news cycles or are just experiencing life that continues to come at us. The question for today is what do I want to leave behind for others?

Leaving a legacy does not have to be gazillions of dollars for others to inherit and waste. When people talk about leaving a legacy, it includes reputation, character, and living life as an example for others to want to follow.

Regardless of people’s social status or financial status, everyone will die and leave this world the same way we entered it – with nothing. We hear people all the time say that no matter what you have now, you cannot take it with you later.

I saw a shirt that said, “Live your life so the preacher won’t have to lie at your funeral.” I don’t know where that originated so I can’t give credit to it, but that certainly makes me pause to think about how I have lived my life and contemplate what people will say and think of me when I am gone.

Remember the character, Scrooge, when he was visited by the Spirit of Christmas Future? He was able to see first-hand that people hated him, mocked him, and were glad to see him gone. All that he had worked for in life had no value to him when he was gone.

My legacy will not include hoards of money. I will not be competing for the position of “the person with the most toys, wins.” I do value my reputation and hope that my legacy includes people remembering me as a person of character and integrity and leaving a positive influence centered on relationships.

Social and main media have gone crazy. Our politicians have gone crazy. It is easy to get sucked into all the hype – almost all of it with no bearing of truth – resulting in mobs, character assassinations, and physical violence against others simply for having a differing opinion.

The question to raise is how do you want to be remembered when you are gone? Remember social media posts continue to live on after we are gone. For some, that may require a preacher to at least be creative for something to say that would not be “speaking ill of the dead.”

We are all building a legacy whereby people who are still living will remember us for how we were and what we were. Like Scrooge, having money will not make people think fondly of the departed. Leaving all that money to those who didn’t earn it and feeling “entitled” to it will also not make for warm, fuzzy thoughts.

What type of legacy do you want to leave for others? We all shape our legacy based on our actions and statements today. How are you shaping yours?