A Godly legacy Touches Generations.
“I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in the truth.” 3 John 4. NKJ
My thoughts today are about “Legacy and Heritage.”
The Godly influence of my father and mother shapes what I believe, what I do, and who I have become. Their significance to my life and our family continues long after their lifetimes. Some years ago, I came across a yellowed note I had saved from my mom, written many years previous. As I read her words, I was not prepared for my emotional response.
She wrote about our family and ministry. Then, these words leaped off the page and into my heart, “Your Dad would be so proud of you, as am I.” Those words have shaped my life these many years since.
My dad and sister died in a highway accident when I was 21, married just weeks before, and a senior in a Bible college preparing for ministry as my calling. And still my eyes became moist as I read her words. It was not a new revelation. My Dad was affirming.
Yet somehow even now, his confirming words stir something deep within my heart. I was not prepared for how such a simple statement of my parents’ feelings on a piece of yellowed stationery would still mean so much after all these years since his death, and more recently hers.
Solomon observed, “The father of the righteous has great joy.” Proverbs 23:24 NIV. You have been given the power to bless your parents with joy. A father and mother’s joy can touch your heart throughout both their lifetime and yours. At this mature stage of life, being reminded of my dad’s love and pride means even more year by year.
From my dad and mom, our family has received a Godly heritage. Every parent has an opportunity to give the same. “For you, O God, have given me the heritage of those who fear your Name.” Psalm 61:5 NIV. You may have lacked a spiritual heritage, but you can leave a Godly legacy to your family that will shape the generations to come.
No individual, nor family, can replicate a history they do not enjoy. A Godly heritage can begin a new spiritual legacy, starting today. An aged John was clear, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.” 3 John 4 NKJV. My dad would rejoice that I carry on his faith, as I learned from his pulpit and personal example.
At Jesus’ baptism, from the Heavens Father God declared, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11 NIV. Now as a dad, grandfather, and great grandfather, I know what such delight feels like.
When Gayle and I see the good and Godly man, husband, dad, and grandfather that our son has become, and the Godly woman, wife, and mom that our daughter has become, and adult grandchildren and their spouses who love and live for Jesus, Gayle and I are grateful to God for His kindness to our family, and we anticipate future generations as well.
My prayer today is that you will live wisely and walk faithfully before God.
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