Daily Devotional, Aug 23, 2023 Leaving a legacy
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children”
Psalm 103:17
Much of what most of us have become are the influence of our parents. For those fortunate to have experienced the love of both their mom and dad, how our mothers and fathers lived and the values they imparted to us shape much of our character today.
As we become parents ourselves, we are challenged to leave a good legacy to our children. Regardless if we were left with one, we are being called by our Lord Jesus Christ to teach our children lifetime lessons they can cling unto in their life journey (“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4)
While there is nothing wrong with toiling for our children’s future, we should remember that leaving wealth without developing a Godly character in our children could destroy them and others around them. No matter how much inheritance a person may have, if he spends them in all the wrong places in pursuit of pleasures and possessions, he will run empty soon, and remain empty within. Proverbs 3:35 states “The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor.”
Our Parish Priest even says that all the material things we strive to leave our children could end up sparking divisiveness in the family if they disagree on the proportioning of the wealth left to them. Instead of leaving the world knowing that your children love each other, you will end up doing the opposite as they fight for money and possessions.
Some children on the other hand even end up unmotivated to work for their future, because after all, they have enough stored for them. But is this the kind of legacy or inheritance that we strive to leave our kids? This is exactly what the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes warned us about: “When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil.”Ecclesiastes 2:21
As parents we have to focus on passing on essential character traits that could help our children become the persons God wants them to be. By showing them a good example when it comes to prioritizing Jesus in our lives, and intentionally teaching them gospel values, we can rest assure that they can make it to the world and to eternity. As mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to read Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and Psalm 78:4 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What legacy do you plan to leave your children? Are you planning to pass on the legacy your parents gave you, to them?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, I thank you for opening my eyes to your words. I want to live a life that is glorifying to you so that I could serve as a good example to my children. I want them to believe and know that you are my number one, and therefore, they too should prioritize seeking you and abiding in you as they journey through life. Amen.