Life is much like farming. It requires planning, preparation and execution of those well laid plans, all the while adjusting and fine-tuning, as we move ahead. To live life meaningfully, a lot has to be thought about, and do them intentionally. Of the many things one needs to do, to have a meaningful life, what we wish to leave behind as an “inheritance” or “legacy” is of utmost importance.
The Good Old Book speaks wise words for our edification. The wise-man, writing in Proverbs 13:22, has these insightful observations for our benefit.
– “22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children….” – Proverbs 13:22
What are we leaving behind for our children and posterity? Property and money, may or may not help them, to live their lives well, despite the fact that, they can make life “comfortable” in one sense. When we leave for our children, a life lived for precious and priceless principles of integrity, honesty, truthfulness, transparency and trustworthiness, its impact, and its benefits are incalculable. They shape our children, and will help them navigate life, and all its challenges, much better.
Much more valuable than the physical and material inheritance is, the conduct and the character of our lives, as the disciples of Christ. We are encouraged, advised and commanded, in the Bible, which is the written Word of God, to aspire, and to live the life, of a true follower of the LORD Jesus Christ.
– “1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” – Ephesians 5:1-2
– “9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
What inheritance are we planning to leave behind for our children? Would, what we intend to leave behind for our children, truly help them in their lives? Would what we leave behind, bless our children, and their children? It is worth the effort to think, plan and work towards leaving behind, precious and priceless things for our children, than perishable things, that may or may not help our families. With such things, God our Creator and Redeemer would be truly happy with us.
"As we do imitate God, we become representatives of God, especially before those who have shut God out of their life. “What are we sent into the world for? Is it not that we may keep men in mind of God, whom they are most anxious to forget? If we are imitators of God, as dear children, they will be compelled to recollect that there is a God, for they will see his character reflected in ours. I have heard of an atheist who said he could get over every argument except the example of his godly mother: he could never answer that."