House of Cards: Week 3 | Legacy Isn’t Automatic—It’s Built Brick by Brick
“Legacy Isn’t Automatic—It’s Built Brick by Brick”
By Justin Daniel
In East Tennessee, old barns and rusty tractors decorate the landscape. Some see junk—I see legacy. A reminder that someone once worked this land, built something that mattered. But somewhere along the line, it was abandoned. And I can’t help but wonder: Is that what’s happening to our faith?
We’ve inherited a form of religion—family Bibles on shelves, pews with names on them, generations of attendance. But that doesn’t mean we’ve built anything real. And it certainly doesn’t guarantee we’ve handed anything lasting to the next generation.
In Deuteronomy 6, Moses tells the people to love God with everything and to teach their children diligently—not just at synagogue, but “when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and get up.” In other words, legacy is built in ordinary moments.
So how do we do that in real life?
1. Start Where You Are
You don’t have to know all the answers. You don’t have to grow up with a great example. You just have to start. Read one verse at breakfast. Pray out loud before dinner. Ask your teen what they’re learning about God—then actually listen.
2. Be Consistent, Not Impressive
Faith formation doesn’t happen through big spiritual events. It’s the small, repeated things that matter most—bedtime prayers, car ride conversations, asking “Where did you see God today?” It’s not about polish—it’s about presence.
3. Align Your Life with What You Teach
Kids can spot a fake from a mile away. If you say Jesus is important, but ballgames, screens, or sleep always come first—they’ll notice. What you prioritize preaches louder than what you profess.
4. Rebuild If You Need To
Maybe your family feels fractured. Maybe you’ve dropped the ball. Here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t shame bad builders. He steps into the mess and helps us rebuild. You can start again. You can lay new bricks.
You don’t need to have children to leave a legacy. Everyone is shaping someone. So whether you’re a mom, a mentor, or just someone showing up for the next generation—build something that lasts.
Because faith isn’t passed down like furniture. It’s lived, loved, and laid brick by brick.
Want a starting point? Try praying out loud this week. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.