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 Chronicals 29:14 & 16

The entire concept of generosity rests in this prayer of King David.

Everything belongs to God. And grasping that truth is critical in how we live and manage our lives. We are just passing stewards of what God has chosen to give to each of us. But in that stewardship, God has provided an opportunity for each of us to leave a legacy.

We all leave a legacy, whether we intend to or not; whether for good or bad. 

At the United Methodist Foundation, we know that legacy giving is a powerful way for individuals to make an impact on the mission and outreach of their church long after the donor has left this earth. We see it first-hand. I suspect you know this.

But what you may not know, is that the very first witnesses of this generosity are often the donor’s children and family. And what an important investment this is, not only in the original financial gift but in the passing on of Godly values. Values that teach the proper way to handle the good things of life. The proper way to hold things loosely, always remembering that God is the true owner. In our giving we teach the importance of serving the purposes of God — even though our own dreams may go unfulfilled.

The Lord commanded the Israelites long ago:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

And in so doing, day by day, you build your legacy. There is a proper way to steward all the good things that God has given you. If you do not have a will, meet with your attorney and put one together. Don’t delay! If you have a will, examine it to ensure that in the last act of your earthly life, you’ve left a legacy gift to that church, mission, or ministry that means the most to you.  

And never forget that the United Methodist Foundation is here to help you do just that. 

This article was submitted by Rich Bowlin, CEO for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF or starting a Legacy Giving program at your church, you can contact Rich at [email protected].