I recently participated in a fascinating discussion with members of our CBMC group in another city. I produced an episode of Manna for Monday about the importance of leaving an estate, and they were curious to know the difference between four seemingly similar terms: probate, inheritance, bequest, and bequest.
There are some similarities between these four terms, but they are all very different. We have virtually no control over two of them. One, perhaps, we can determine in a significant way depending on how financially successful we are. Only one term can be recognized: largely based on the decisions we make and the relationships we establish throughout our lives.
Heredity describes traits that are passed on genetically, such as skin and hair color, height, ethnic characteristics, and other characteristics—physical, mental, and familial. Heritage usually concerns the culture, traditions, history and language of a society or group of people. An inheritance is something given to people after someone's death, usually money or material possessions.
Wealth is the only one of the four terms that we can significantly shape, regardless of social status or level of income. An asset consists of the lasting impact of our lives that remains long after we are gone. It can change people, organizations and even society through values, character and faith.
As people who spend most of our time in business, we have the opportunity to exercise leadership in one way or another. Regardless of our role in a company, whether we hold a senior management position or report to one or more individuals, we can leave behind a legacy. Because the real test of leaders, whoever they are and whatever they do, is what remains after they are gone.
I remember a presentation that one of the leaders prepared many years ago. He explained how his previous organization was built. Everything in the company's structure revolved around him. Soon after his departure, the business collapsed like a house of cards. His “asset” (from a leadership perspective) was failure.
Compare this to Nelson Bell, who served as a missionary physician in China for over 24 years. His godly daughter Ruth married a young man named Billy Graham. Together they had several children who continue in Christian ministry today, and with Ruth's encouragement, Reverend Graham touched millions of lives for Jesus Christ with his evangelistic campaigns and books. What a legacy Dr. Bell leaves behind!
Build on a strong foundation. The world around us suggests that we can build our lives on many different foundations, but there is only one foundation that will last forever. “For no one can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Commit yourself 100% to the purposes of Christ. As one poet wrote: “Life is one, it will soon pass; only what is done for Christ will be preserved.” “...for in him we live and move and have our being...” (Acts 17:28).
Invest in people. We can have a positive impact on people in many ways, but the most lasting of them is through making disciples and mentoring. “...and the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust them to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
© 2023. Robert J. Tamasi wrote Market Ambassadors: The Continuing Legacy of CBMC Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at its Best: Timeless Proverbial Wisdom for Today's Workplace; Finding Life with a Shepherd's Heart, co-authored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob's bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Psalm 18:31; Isaiah 43:4; Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 6:46-49; Colossians 3:23-24.
Difficult task
As we have already said, our inheritance was predetermined, our personal legacy was firmly determined early in life, and an inheritance (will) may or may not be in our future. But the nature of the wealth we one day leave behind—in our homes and workplaces—depends on us. Positive, lasting assets are not created in isolation - we need the help and support of people we trust. Who do you know who could help you identify what legacy you could leave behind and how you can be successful in creating it? What steps do you need to take now to get started?
