The Legacy JourneySample

Blessed to Be a Blessing

People around the world understand the difference between an open hand and a clenched fist. The first welcomes, while the other symbolizes violence and anger. Dr. Billy Graham once said, “God gives us two hands: one to receive with and one to give with.” On The Legacy Journey, both hands need to stay open.

The Bible emphasizes open hands early in Genesis. When God called Abram (later known as Abraham) to a new land, He promised to make him a great nation. But He also said Abraham’s blessings would bless others. He was blessed to be a blessing.

We are blessed to bless others, too. That’s why you move from Now to Then to Us to Them. God takes you from struggling to survive to incredible generosity that changes your family tree and transforms the world.

In The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard explains that if believers fall for the lie that wealth is evil, they will give everything away. Nothing will be left for the kingdom of God, while the other side will be well-funded to expand the reach of darkness.

If Christians shirk our responsibility, we leave a tremendous vacuum. Mosquito nets won’t be purchased. Wells won’t be dug. Vaccines won’t be provided. Children won’t be fed. Needs won’t be met because Satan just doesn’t do that for people.

Margaret Thatcher, the late British prime minister, once said, “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good intentions. He had money as well.” Handling money God’s ways requires wise management, but it also requires an open hand.

Like Abraham, you were blessed to be a blessing. Ask God to show you what that should look like—and how you should live it out—on your legacy journey.

God owns it all. We are managers. Everything—our time, talents, resources and relationships—are gifts from God, and He will hold us accountable for how we use them. The Legacy Journey takes you deep into God's Word, revealing His perspective on wealth, your personal and family legacy, and how He wants to use you to further His kingdom.