Generosity That Outlives You

If we want something… we want it now.
Hungry? Open the fridge.
Bored? Turn on the TV.
Curious? Grab your phone.
Need to talk? Send a text.

Desire is instant. Gratification is instant.
But so is the next desire.
And if we’re not careful, we can lose sight of the long view—of what truly matters.

The most meaningful things in life aren’t instant.
They take time. Effort. Faithfulness.
But they are deeply satisfying—and they last.

Think of your closest relationships. A lifelong friendship. Raising children. A lasting marriage. These aren’t built in a moment, but they shape generations.

One of our pastors shared a story about his grandparents, who were married for 61 years. The way his grandfather looked at his bride—like she was a movie star—left a lasting impression.

“He’d watch her walk out of the room and whisper to us grandkids, ‘That’s my babe.’ Their chairs were set up in the living room so he could hold her hand while they watched Bonanza.”

That kind of love—the kind that shows up daily, holds hands for decades, and leaves grandkids a little embarrassed—is a legacy.

But even greater was the legacy of faith.

His grandma was a spiritual powerhouse. She loved Jesus deeply and shared His love freely. She ran an in-home daycare and kept albums full of the kids she cared for. She taught Sunday School faithfully, even hosting a Bible study from her assisted living apartment.

Her kindness, faith, and quiet consistency pointed people to Jesus. And because of her faith—which was passed down—this pastor knows where she is today: with the One she loved most.

Most of us don’t think about legacy until much later in life—but the truth is, we’re writing it every day.

The way we love, serve, and give leaves an imprint—on our families, our community, and our church. And often, the most lasting legacy doesn’t come from big gestures, but from quiet faithfulness over time.

When we give with the long view in mind, we’re not just managing money—we’re planting seeds. Some we’ll see grow. Some we won’t. But all of it matters.

The legacy of generosity isn’t just about inheritance.
It’s about modeling trust in God.
It’s about creating a culture where open hands are normal.
It’s about showing the next generation that giving isn’t something we have to do—
but something we get to do.

“…their children will be a blessing.”
—Psalm 37:26

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