We all want to leave a mark. It’s something God hardwired into us. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “I want to leave the world a better place.” By definition, the word “legacy” means, “something we receive from someone who went before us.”
Personally, I define legacy as what I leave behind that lives on. And that could be positive or negative. It could be a material legacy like an inheritance or money. It could be a legacy of character, faith or values. It could be a legacy of a love for a particular hobby like traveling or sports or music. It could be a mindset or even a work ethic. Or it could be a legacy of emotions like joy and peace or anger and worry.
But what about the legacy we leave as a result of our habits? Is it possible that others around us are learning from what they see us repeatedly do and are likely to follow in our footsteps? The simple answer is yes.
The most powerful and permanent legacy we leave might just be the habits and behaviors we have demonstrated over many years. After all, our actions are far more powerful than our words.
That’s why Paul says to his spiritual children in 1 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV), “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” He says later to “follow his example as he follows the example of Christ.” In other words he’s saying, “Whatever you see me do, do that! Watch my life and you will have a good sense of what is most important to me, what I care about, and how I think you should live.”
What we leave behind that lives on will be found in the hearts and habits of those we have influenced. Paul knew that his legacy, what he left behind that lived on, had to be a clear picture of what it looked like to follow Jesus. That which he believed in his heart was displayed in his habits.
We, too, are likely to leave a spiritual, emotional, relational, mental and physical legacy. So the question for you and me is simple: With respect to your health, what kind of legacy will you leave? Will it be a legacy of vibrant health or sickness and disease? Will it be one that helps others maximize their time or robs them of their resources?
Our approach to health and the results of that approach are contagious. If we create an unhealthy culture or lifestyle in our homes and at work—a life marked by physical inactivity and poor food choices—we are likely to pass that on to our kids and influence those around us.
If we hang out with unhealthy, overweight or inactive friends, we are likely to gain weight and take on their lifestyle as well. Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. What we see others model has a profound influence on how we live.
Let’s take a look at the habits we have developed around our health and see what resonates:
1. Do I spend more time watching television than engaging in exercise and recreation?
2. Do I regularly eat junk food in front of the TV late at night?
3. Do I stay up late and get up early, never letting my body fully rest or recover?
4. Do I use food as a reward or to cope with stress and emotion, instead of a way to promote energy, clarity and longevity?
5. Do I model a healthy lifestyle for those around me?
6. Do I make wise decisions when I eat out, or do I use it as an opportunity to indulge?
7. Am I healthy and fit or tired and overweight?
Each one of us makes decisions every day that affect our health. What we do today determines who we become tomorrow. And what we do each year will determine our legacy. Those seemingly small, insignificant decisions we make put us on a path that determines the destination of our lives and influences others around us.
So take a look at your health habits. Do you like what you see? Are you able to say like Paul, “I urge you to imitate me”? If not, maybe it’s time to make some changes. If yes, keep doing what you are doing. Know that others are watching and are likely to follow your example. If you have a desire to leave a legacy of good health, you can do it!
Originally Published: January 2014