This is our vision……….
by Dennis Petersen
I’ve accepted the invitation of Sacramento radio Station KFIA (710AM) to host a half hour weekly radio program called “Reclaiming Your Legacy” and build a worldwide website outreach around all the resources that will be featured there under the banner, “Reclaim Your Legacy.” I choose that name because I truly believe that a lot of the problems, ignorance and apathy we see today are directly linked to our general lack of knowledge in the many areas of life that create our ‘legacy.’
I believe that when “lights go on” individuals are ready to take hold of the legacy that is theirs and be in better position to succeed in the greatest mission of their lives. I’m asking you to continue reading and join me in equipping others to reclaim their God-given legacy.
As Dr. D. James Kennedy once said, “Political correctness, permissiveness, extremes in tolerance, overemphasis on ethnicity, fabricated history, the denigration of knowledge – these are symptoms of postmodernism.”
Dr. Kennedy wrote those words diagnosing our nation’s ills back in 1995. Because our society is so confused, misinformed and downright deceived, I believe that every locality needs effective ways to re-establish clear understanding about the roots of our Christian cultural principles… and Christians especially need confident understanding of the truths and wisdom that sets them free in all areas of their lives as followers of Jesus Christ. It begins with divine creation and extends to every area of life; education, business, creativity, health, relationships, personal goals, and especially politics in a free society. All these things interconnect and the hub is the truth about God and His Word.
“Without a clear understanding of the beginnings of something, you cannot understand it’s purpose. Without a clear understanding of purpose, you cannot fully realize the truth of your legacy.”
Over 37 years ago I was profoundly struck by the truth of Isaiah 58:10-12. If you read it I’m sure it has been deeply meaningful in your own life. The ‘fast’ that God chooses for us is to essentially set other people free to live the life their Creator desires for them. Only the truth can do that.
A few years ago I was again profoundly impacted by the concept of ‘legacy’ and how our generation seems to have lost the sense of being a bridge from the heritage of our past to the divinely intended destiny of our posterity’s future. That’s where your sense of legacy connects with so many truths that have been distorted by many influences in modern culture.
I was truly impacted again by a clear statement by respected business trainer Jim Rohn. He wrote:
“…actions are great, but the important stuff is what lies underneath—the principles. Here are what I consider to be the principles that we must commit to if we are to leave the legacy we desire:
Life is best lived in service to others. This doesn’t mean that we do not strive for the best for ourselves. It does mean that in all things we serve other people, including our family, co-workers and friends.
Consider others’ interests as important as your own. Much of the world suffers simply because people consider only their own interests. People are looking out for No. 1, but the way to leave a legacy is to also look out for others.
Love your neighbor even if you don’t like him. It is interesting that Jesus told us to love others. But he never tells us to like them. Liking people has to do with emotions. Loving people has to do with actions. And what you will find is that when you love them and do good by them, you will more often than not begin to like them.
Maintain integrity at all costs. There are very few things you take to the grave with you. The Number One thing is your reputation and good name. When people remember you, you want them to think, “She was the most honest person I knew. What integrity.” There are always going to be temptations to cut corners and break your integrity. Do not do it. Do what is right all of the time, no matter what the cost.
You must risk in order to gain. In just about every area of life you must risk in order to gain the reward. In love, you must risk rejection in order to ask that person out for the first time. In investing, you must place your capital at risk in the market in order to receive the prize of a growing bank account. When we risk, we gain. And when we gain, we have more to leave for others.
You reap what you sow. In fact, you always reap more than you sow—you plant a seed and reap a bushel. What you give you get. What you put into the ground then grows out of the ground. If you give love, you will receive love. If you give time, you will gain time. It is one of the truest laws of the universe. Decide what you want out of life and then begin to sow it.
Hard work is never a waste. No one will say, “It is too bad he was such a good, hard worker.” But if you aren’t they will surely say, “It’s too bad he was so lazy—he could have been so much more!” Hard work will leave a grand legacy. Give it your all on your trip around the earth. You will do a lot of good and leave a terrific legacy.
Don’t give up when you fail. Imagine what legacies would have never existed if someone had given up. How many thriving businesses would have been shut down if they quit at their first failure? Everyone fails. It is a fact of life. But those who succeed are those who do not give up when they fail. They keep going and build a successful life—and a legacy.
Don’t ever stop in your pursuit of a legacy. Many people have accomplished tremendous things later on in life. There is never a time to stop in your pursuit of a legacy. Sometimes older people will say, “I am 65. I’ll never change.” That won’t build a great life! No, there is always time to do more and achieve more, to help more and serve more, to teach more and to learn more. Keep going and growing that legacy!
These are core principles to live by if you want to become the kind of person who leaves a lasting legacy.”
This article is excerpted from Jim Rohn’s Twelfth Pillar of Success: Legacy, part two of The Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan. Get more details about and take advantage of a special offer on the plan that will keep you growing, learning and achieving throughout the year!
Think of the joy of helping people, young and old, to apply these timeless principles into their lives while discovering the truths that set them free in some of the most practical areas of modern life!
Wonderfully, when we look at the physical creation, the Creator often gives observant and open-minded hearts life-changing insights on things that trouble us today. From the foods we eat to the jobs we pursue; from the relationships we have with others to the choices we make in the education of our children; there’s hardly a topic we can discuss that isn’t somehow made clearer – even unlocked – because we look at it through the eyes of God’s amazing Word. And as we apply the truths that set us free, humbly grateful to our Sovereign Lord, we are then poised to recognize the privilege we have to pass on our legacy to the next generation.
Using excerpts from my book (Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation) as a springboard, the unfolding plan is to use a variety of communication tools on the Reclaiming Your Legacy radio program to provide helpful insights, creative ideas and positive solutions for passing on your legacy. Guest interviews, audience questions, and listener stories will form a tapestry of content that spills over onto the website with video and lots more to offer everyone. We expect to dovetail with special live events, seminars, celebrations and performances that help people recapture the principles and truths that crystallize their values.
Can you ‘see’ the vision? Are you getting a sense for the potential? The next step is to post the website and launch the first weekly programs… And that can only be possible as ‘partners’ like you help by praying, sharing ideas, subscribing to our Email ‘Fact Sheet’ series, hosting seminars, sponsor shows, contribute money and equipment, and take advantage of beneficial offers that are made available to you… all that will enable the effort to help us reach many people with ‘tools’ to Reclaim Your Legacy.
[Action step now: Expand the website while planning radio program content and invite friends to sponsor the project.]
Will you consider some ways how I can count on your help?
Will you consider some ways to partner with me in this effort to Reclaim Your Legacy? A monthly gift of $5, $50, or a one- time gift to assist in completing the interactive website and online resource center will be greatly appreciated.
Dennis Petersen
contact me at dennis@reclaimyourlegacy.com
Reclaiming Your Legacy
Helping others Discover Life-transforming Truths
Changing the Course of our generation by Equipping Individuals for Providential Success