LEGACY

What kind of legacy does God want us to leave to our children?

Legacy. That concept has certainly been in the news of late, people questioning the legacy of past presidents, of past leaders, and what their lives actually stood for. And it is an important concept when you begin to think about your personal legacy. God wants us to think about that as well. What will we pass on to the next generation?

In the book of Proverbs 13:22, God says something interesting:

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinners wealth is stored up for the righteous."

Of course, just looking at that on the surface, you might think, "What are we talking about? Leave them an inheritance, of money or a house or something like that?" Well, that could be a part of it. But I think something that's so much more important is when we think of eternal value, rather than just a temporary inheritance of money or property or something like that. An eternal inheritance, setting the right example, passing instead of just a monetary kind of thing down to the next generation, passing on the best thing, passing on a good life to show that God's way really works.

God also says in verse 24:

"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him."

It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary. The greatest responsibility that God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children. Lack of discipline puts parents' love in question because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children. Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction in their lives. Don't be afraid to discipline your children. It is an act of love. Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God's wisdom above all else!

So parents, what's most important? Passing on your life to your children, raising your children, in other words, in God's way, with His values, making sure they have a heart for God and His values and His way of life. Because that doesn't happen accidentally.

Grandparents, it's the same thing, you're passing on the legacy of God's way of life to your grandchildren. And so that means we've got to work with them. We've got to discipline them when they need that. We've got to direct them and guide them and instruct them in God's way. And that's something, especially for parents, that's a 24/7 job. That's something that happens all the time. We have to demonstrate the value of God's way and living that way all the time.

So when you think of legacy or you hear it in the news these days, personalize that. Turn it on to yourself. And think about the most important legacy that you leave your children or you leave your grandchildren. Leave them a legacy of God's way so that you will inspire them, you will encourage them, you will guide them. You'll guide that next generation to follow and pass on the best legacy.