Running Your Leg in the Relay of Legacy

The world record for running 400m is currently 43.03 seconds. The record for the same distance run in relay form is 36.84 seconds. That’s substantially faster and serves as a good illustration for how I am viewing my business. I am increasingly seeing the value of the relay format over the one impressive individual. I also believe this to be the key to leaving a successful legacy, something that has captured more of my attention as I grow in wisdom. Paul encourages his trainee to run a relay race of legacy in his letter to Timothy:

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

2 Tim 2:2 NLT

The ability to pass on the foundational principles of your business is crucial to leaving a successful legacy. It is not common for this to “just happen.” But rather, there must be intentionality and practice to hand off the baton in this relay of legacy. How do you plan to pass on the most important values and insights that you have gained to the next level? 

Legacy of the Gospel

Paul, who became a catalyst for spreading the gospel around the world understood the value of legacy and advocated for systems that would keep the relay race of faith going. He also writes a letter to Titus and encourages the older women to teach the younger women:

^“3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. ⁴ These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, ⁵ to live wisely and be pure…”

Titus 2:3-5 NLT

This pattern of passing down truth and wisdom was how the church grew so quickly and successfully. The careful impartation of the gospel is a distinctive of the Christian faith. Recently, I got to spend some time with some of the people who were instrumental in the foundation of the Bible Museum located in Washington DC. They had first-hand experience with the ancient dead sea scroll manuscripts, the earliest known version of the bible, and they commented on the incredible correlation that our contemporary bible shares with them. The strength of legacy has been preserved through accurate replication and dedication to the message.

As I approach I my sixth decade, it has become impressed on my heart to dedicate time to passing on what I have learned from my experience. I have been keen to transfer my learning and understanding in my business. I don’t approach this task as some kind of oracle or great sage, but living through multiple seasons has taught me at least what not to do and what doesn’t work. This is a gift because I can shorten the learning curve of those around me, and while I can’t always predict and say what will always work, I do know that fundamentals are important. Fundamentals are important in business and in faith. Basic things like there must be more coming in than going out are timeless, similarly spending time with the Lord is the only way to grow your relationship with Him. My legacy is a combination of embracing the fundamentals in both areas of life. They are not separate but rather work together.

Regardless of age or stage of life, we can always learn from each other and be thinking about how we can share the wisdom and experiences we have had in a meaning and beneficial way with those we work with. In what ways can you be intentional about doing this in your line of work?