Solomon by inspiration wrote: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just”(Pro. 13:22). A good man is one whose heart is filled with kindness and love. He loves God and his family and never allows anything to come between him and those he loves. He leaves an example that will bless his children and grandchildren. They are rich not because of posterity, because success in worldly pursuits is very uncertain. The paradigm of righteousness from their father and grandfather can bring spiritual riches for the soul.
There are more lasting impressions on life that are formed in the home than anywhere else. Those who direct and govern the home should feel their deep obligation and privilege. The influence they leave on the mind of a child will in large measure determine that child’s earthly course and eternal destiny.
What type of impressions are children seeing in American homes today? Do they see a loving father and mother daily living for God? Do they see their parents living honestly before all men? Do they see their mother and father setting a good moral example? In many homes today, parents leave their children to the television or nursery school to raise them. Childcare takes the commitment of both parents! Parents must have the courage and accept the responsibility to care for their children.
Abraham Lincoln once said: "A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend those things which you think are important." Every parent should take inventory of their life to see what type of legacy they are leaving their children. Is God important to you? Is attending Bible study and worship services important to you? If they are, they will be important to your children.
In teaching his children, Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Pro. 3:4-6). What does it mean to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart?” One should have God and His Son, Christ Jesus, first in their heart and life. Trust in His Word as the guide through all of life.
To leave a legacy of the Christian life, parents must have the courage to say “no” to their children. No, to the passing pleasures of the world. Never let anything come between them and God, because children need spiritual nourishment if they are to live a successful life that will lead them to Heaven. Children need parents who will take the leadership in taking action against the sale of alcohol and drugs, help stop the sale of pornographic material, and stand firm against the filth on television (those in charge of television programs are working hard to corrupt the minds of young people), and the music they hear. Everyone must have the courage to care for young people. We must never tolerate the destruction of our children.
- via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere Church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org
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