LEGACY GIVING
What is Legacy Giving?
It’s essentially passing the baton of vision, values, and your life’s work. Legacy giving represents one of the ways we can be sure the hand-off takes place with integrity. We can empower the generations that follow in our footsteps by leaving the resources needed to effectively continue the kingdom work we start.
The Biblical Basis For Legacy Giving
King David understood the principle of Legacy Giving. In 1 Chronicles 22 and 28, we see God deny David the privilege of building His Temple and give the honor to his son Solomon after David’s death. Undeterred, David sought the Lord and purposed to empower his son with the means to build it. As king of Israel, God blessed and prospered David to amass a great fortune of gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, rare woods, and fine fabrics. He prepared the plans and instruction for the building of the Temple. Then David drafted his will and bequeathed it all to his son for the building of God’s Temple.
Upon completion of his will, he prayed, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you and we have given you only what comes from your hand . . . all of this abundance we have provided for building you a Temple for your Holy Name, comes from your hand, and it all belongs to you.” 1 Chron. 29:14 & 16
As Christians, we refer to giving as stewardship. Anything we “own” is already God’s. Legacy giving embodies the ultimate stewardship of God’s assets, creation, and resources. God has entrusted so much to us that as we live our lives we must base our foundation on the values and principles of scripture. We are blessed with the honor to stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before us and continue God’s kingdom work. In turn, our legacy gifts, give that same opportunity for future generations who come after us to stand on ours.
You will leave a legacy. Have you considered what it will be? Will it have an eternal impact? Who will stand on your shoulders? Will they have the resources and vision to continue God’s kingdom work?
In 1 Tim. 5:8, you are to provide for your family first. Your church is a great place to leave part of your legacy. What resources, blessings that came from God, can be entrusted to God’s people when you are gone. Think of it as your final tithe, multiplying without end! King David had a vision for legacy gifts. He knew the importance of making it possible for others to be more than they can be on their own, for generations to come.
I Want To Know More About Legacy Giving
We are honored to talk with you about Legacy Giving at Guntersville First UMC. Our prayer is that you would seek God first, ask Him to reveal His vision for your legacy. Then contact our office to set an appointment to speak with one of our pastors and stewards (256) 582-2001.