The Law of Legacy: A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

The Great Commission is Jesus’ very last statement to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. Here, Jesus instructs His disciples to multiply themselves in all the nations of the world. That multiplication continues today. Jesus has had a greater impact on the world than anyone in history and he did that by focusing his attention to train just 12 disciples and entrusting his legacy to them.

The last seven laws of the “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” are:
#15) The Law of Victory: Leaders find a way for the team to win.
#16) The Law of the Big Mo: Momentum is a leader’s best friend.
#17) The Law of Priorities: Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment.
#18) The Law of Sacrifice: A leader must give up to go up.
#19) The Law of Timing: When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go.
#20) The Law of Explosive Growth: To add growth, lead followers. To multiply, lead leaders.
#21) The Law of Legacy: A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession.

Here are some principles for a leadership of legacy. Affirm your successor publically and privately. You can undercut your successor by what you say or by a telling silence. The real mark of leadership security is wanting your successor to achieve beyond your accomplishments. If your successor fails, it might be because of you; and if that is the case, that failure is your failure. How you live, talk, think, and act has an impact on future generations long after you are gone. Your legacy will always be the replication of who you are. Accomplishments without succession is futile. He who cannot control his home cannot control the world. If you want something to last, build it on a good foundation. To have an enduring agenda, partner with God and get with His agenda. Give. Look for ways to bless those who will come after you. If you want to leave a legacy, live in humility and purity, and pray for strength and wisdom. Give yourself away.

What will be your legacy?
Have you planned for a successor?

Prayer Power
Father God, when I die, I want my tombstone to say “He loved Jesus. He loved people.” May that be my legacy. Help me live that out with my family, friends, and in the marketplace. Bless my family to bless millions of families around the world to be a blessing to millions more. Bless those who read this message with eternal legacies that honor You. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071453393/104-8681620-1172764?v=glance&n=283155

Your Daily Blessing News
John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored sports coaches in our nations history. But it wasn’t winning games that drove him; it was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities.

Other sites of interest: Local Legacies: Celebrating Community Roots [www.loc.gov/folklife/roots