How parenting choices impact generations to come from one generation to the next.
By Lawson Murray
Our lives today shape the future lives of our children and grandchildren. Pericles, the Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens (fifth century bc), said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
An inheritance that continues
Most parents have a legal document itemizing the distribution of their assets and the care of any minor children after their death. I have a written, notarized will. Every parent and grandparent should have one. But a legal will, as necessary as it is, isn’t as important as passing our Christian values and beliefs from one generation to the next.
The Scriptures say,
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generationthe glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.…that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in Godand not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments.(Psalm 78:4, 6–7)
Note the phrase “that the next generation might know them.” God expects us to tell our children and grandchildren the stories about Him so they will know the truth and live for Him. This isn’t something new. It’s a sacred practice dating back to Genesis 49:1–33 and Deuteronomy 32:46–47. And it’s what every Christian parent and grandparent should strive to do.
What will you leave behind?
What kind of inheritance are you leaving your children and grandchildren? A physical inheritance isn’t as crucial as a spiritual inheritance. The Scriptures say, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22). In other words, a person who lives a righteous and virtuous life leaves a legacy that benefits their descendants for generations to come. To leave a spiritual inheritance, you must be a living legacy. This requires intentionality and perseverance. A God-honouring life isn’t some- thing you do on the weekend or when it’s convenient. To begin and sustain a godly legacy requires a 24/7 commitment to live for Jesus. Author Leanne Cabral says, “A legacy of faith is built on one seemingly insignificant act of obedience at a time.” That’s a great insight. The inheritance we leave future generations is informed by the choices we make every day.
Don’t minimize the importance of a life well-lived. Someone once said, “Our children are messengers we send to a time we will not see.” All of us leave something behind when we die. What will you leave for your family? Will it be a legacy of righteousness or unrighteousness, faith or unbelief? American author and teacher Leonard Sweet said, “What you set in motion is your legacy.”
Invest in what lasts
The best thing you can do for your family is to stay in step with Jesus. Living for Jesus is a more excellent gift for your loved ones than any heir- looms, trust funds or properties. Is your inher- itance in shape? Your children’s and grandchildren’s legacy begins in your heart, in your love for God (see Psalm 112:1–2). As evangelist Billy Graham said, “The greatest legacy one can pass onto one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”
So, start now. What are you spending your time on? I don’t think any of us wants to wake up twenty years from now realizing we spent most of our time on what matters least and the least of our time on what matters most.
I’m convinced the only legacy worth leaving is Jesus. That’s why the ringtone on my phone is the song, “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns. Every time someone calls me, I hear the lyrics, “I don’t care if they remember me. Only Jesus. And I, I’ve only got one life to live. I’ll let every second point to Him. Only Jesus.”
Build a spiritual legacy. Commit to living a righteous life. A heritage that lasts is shaped by the Christian values and beliefs that define you today.
Lawson Murray is President of Scripture Union Canada and a frequent teacher at MBC.