The Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity

by David Green, Bill High

We all want to live a life that matters—a life of meaning and significance. The problem is, when we think of a life that makes a difference, we think way too small. Our lives can and should make an impact today—and we should also be working toward building a legacy that lasts for generations to come.

Rejecting the current work-hard-then-retire mindset, David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High call us to a biblical view of ourselves and our families—a generational mindset.

With a paradigm-changing perspective, this book helps

develop a legacy perspective on your life and family articulate and live out your mission and values recover from failures and celebrate successes tell your stories from generation to generation It may feel strange at first, but when you shift your mindset to understand your life in generational terms, you'll discover that while you are not the story, you are part of a story that matters for eternity.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[John Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on life and legacy! I typically don’t review nonfiction, but this is a must read for families. I highlighted half of it and made endless notes in my copy.

[Taylor Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I want my husband to read this book!

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gave me lots to consider. Really enjoyed it!

[Stephanie Sheaffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wise thoughts. Not particularly practical, but still a worthwhile read. I admire the Green family for their intentionality and generosity.

Quotes/Tabs:
* "We see the mistakes of the previous generations and swing in the opposite direction. As we age, we realize that the shift need not be so dramatic." (11)
* "Legacy is what we set in motion." (18)
* "Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages ten to thirty-four." (34)
* clearly define a "family vision, mission, and values" (79)
* "...we try to gather as many of our forty-plus family members as possible on a quarterly basis to celebrate birthdays." (80)
* "...on an annual basis, we also have a family celebration." (80)
* "Develop your vision statement by writing down a short, concise statement - five to seven words...use big words like generations, every, everywhere, thousands, and so on." (83)
* LagacyStone.com
* "...generally, identify three to five values that you'd like to live out and teach to your family on an ongoing basis." (84)
* Example of values: "Be honest, be excellent, be disciplined." (87)
* Code of Conduct examples (91)
* "Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It's the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs." - Steve Saint

[Brent Furrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book, although I cringe at the word “legacy.” For most, a legacy is some great feat like donating major funds to construct a new wing at the children’s hospital, performing some sort of large civic duty, or creating/doing something that will immortalize them on Wikipedia for long after their death. Very much “me, me, me.” Little humility. Green did a good job in explaining other ways in which a legacy can be left, through long-range organizational vision and instilling deep faith in family. (Surprisingly, he nowhere mentions funding the Museum of the Bible in his own legacy). I wish the book spoke more to single people, and although Green mentions in the book that more people living today are single than married, he spoke almost exclusively to families and generations with kids, grandkids, etc. It was still a good read though, and I recommend it to all for forward Kingdom thinking.

[Carlee Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Igniting. Inspiring. Equipping.
David Green and Bill High have laid a firm foundation in The Legacy Life, a blueprint for every family to build upon. With clarity, they've stacked the kindling, struck the match, and breathed life into fires of faith, vision, and mission around the world. David and Bill are candid and authentic in their storytelling, making this far more than a book. It's a call to live beautifully and differently. They challenged me to think beyond my own lifetime and to truly grasp that, "legacy is what we set in motion." If we can create structures that unleash the full potential and the unique handiwork of every family, then as David and Bill remind us, "we can change the world." In my opinion, that's not just a quote. It's an invitation. And that’s EXACTLY the kind of world I want to help build.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and Bill did a good job as writers. This is a mix of a personal memoir and advice to family leaders on how to pass down your values and keep your family together. David Green is the founder of Hobby Lobby, but the story isn't about the company, it's about his family, from his growing up to his grandchildren. And it has additional input from Bill High, the lawyer/advisor who helped David Green set up his family office.

I work with a lot of high net worth families (I'm a consultant for my day job) and I can totally validate the challenges that money brings to a family. This isn't a practical workbook with a complete process, but there are recommendations in this book. And they're good starting places. I've done similar stuff with clients and seen real impact.

Don't build a company and miss the most important organization in your life: your family.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you leave a lasting legacy? David Green lays out the way that you can leave a lasting legacy beyond just a financial goal. A legacy that will last for generations to come and goes beyond our self in our own story, but to the greater story of God‘s plan in the big picture of the gospel message.

I found the audio book pleasant to listen to. The message was similar to David Green’s first book “A Generous Life”. In my opinion and I think both messages are valuable but it felt repetitive of the first book in many ways.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy. The opinions here are my own honest review.

[Annette Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read ! Anyone who feels the right thing to do is bless forward the generations to come - needs this road map ! I am a changed thinker from the wisdom David and Bill freely dispense in their latest book! As technology gets more sophisticated our attention span decreases and the information we have access to increases by the second - we must get back to our roots of leaving our children and our children’s children a true legacy of goodness and hope - seriously - 1000% read this one !!!

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all want to lead a life that matters, but how can we be intentional to do this? David Green shares how his legacy started from humble beginnings to inspire us it's possible no matter what your economic status. He knocks down the major obstacles that get in the way of our legacy mindset and gives us practical next steps paired with scripture to help empower us to take our next step and change not only our life or the lives of our children but the many generations to come!

[Aline Campos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of listening to The Legacy Life by David Green on audiobook. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring book that emphasizes the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy for our families — one that will shape generations to come.

Green shares personal examples from his own life and the faith-filled legacy passed down from his parents. These stories add depth and authenticity to his message.

A meaningful and encouraging read. Thank you to NetGalley for providing the audiobook.

[Andy Deck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want your life to matter? This book builds a case and outlines a path to a life of significance. The Legacy Life shares the life experiences of David Green - founder of Hobby Lobby. He has meshed Biblical principles and life stories to present a path worth considering. Wholeheartedly recommend!!

[Austin Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT, short, easy read. Very practical and motivating. Jesus may come back tomorrow, but He also may take another thousand years... Who knows? You don't. Think generationally and create for your family a vision, mission statement, values, and code of conduct you can return to. I'm excited to make mine with my wife before the birth of our firstborn. ♥️

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for understanding the impact of your actions for generations to come. It's countercultural in the best possible way - hopeful and inspiring. You'll gain insights into the Bible you have likely not understood before, plus practical takeaways to build family connections now.

[Chris Barratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I was inspired to make some changes in my life to reflect the impact that I wanted to make on the others around me - especially my family and friends. If you want to live a life that matters for eternity read this book and take it to heart!

[Matthew L Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

That we would all live with this frame

A call to invest our lives in what matters for fruit that will be left for generations after us. God’s kingdom is advanced through generations and we can influence generations to follow God faithfully.

[Alexandra Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this sweet book that inspires me to build a foundation of God’s love, grace, and compassion for my children.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Led me to consider values and mission, but I feel that I did not gain any practical application from it. The mission statements felt random.

[Tullius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soon

[Michael Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that pushes back on the cultural idea that we should live for ourselves, especially after we retire.

[Amy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Makes you think about the legacy you are leaving to your family and beyond.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy Life

This is exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I’m in a leadership development course and this book was suggested by a professor and hits on all the things I’ve been thinking and trying to craft in my own life. Very excellent read, god bless!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧

What will you leave behind when you die? Christian entrepreneur David Green asks readers to consider the lasting impact you can have on generations to come.

Green challenges short term goals with long term goals. Do we ever think of ways to influence the world after we have died?

I felt compelled to think about how a lot of my prayers are short term. I’ve never considered to pray for generations in advanced. I felt inspired to pray differently.

I had the audiobook format, and I’m so much more engaged when I can hear the words directly from the author’s mouth. It feels so much more personal and compelling.

Disclaimers: I am employed by the business owner’s company. All opinions are my own.

This audiobook was a gift from NetGalley and RB Media in exchange for an honest review.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, inspirational and provided well-informed guidance. {H}