OUR LEGACY

We all have a legacy that we receive from our grandparents and parents. The setting aside of money to help with final expenses of parents and to help ease the financial burden of children is probably the first one that comes to mind. Businesses, homes, and land can be passed along to children. Photo albums, documented genealogies, family Bibles, and items of remembrance all are considered a type of inheritance. The story of World War II and the information gathered from our Dad is an inheritance that he left for us.

Parents may keep a physical home for children to live in--one that has been passed down from generation to generation-- and others may spend literally thousands of dollars trying to build great houses that will tell others that they have been successful in life. Some parents have nothing to leave behind because they squandered their inheritance and gave no consideration for the next generation. Whatever the inheritance that we receive here from our earthly parents leaves an imprint on our life.

To me, the most important inheritance that we can leave for others is our Christian testimony. We should strive to walk closely to the Lord and show by example how the Lord can and will bless us in life. In the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, Christ tells us the parable of a young man who became impatient with his father and wanted to receive his inheritance immediately. He left home and squandered his inheritance. When he finally realized what he had lost, he found his way back to his father and claimed his place within the family. He may have lost all his money but he still had the love and blessing of his father.

What type of legacy are you leaving behind?