A bit over a week ago I attended a Celebration of Life service for my neighbor. We had not only been neighbors for over 20 years but had developed a deep friendship. He struggled with cancer that finally took him from us. The time we spent at this service was a celebration.
Many family members and friends, including me, shared a memory of Don. As I listened, one theme carried throughout. Don was a godly man. From this theme came many examples of how he demonstrated that through his life. At the end of the time of sharing, the pastor made this statement, “I hope that when I die, my family is able to say these things about me!” Me too!
The question for us, then is this, “What will be the legacy we leave for our family?” This question is often answered with a financial focus. I have spent time with men near death who were pleased that their families would be well cared for after they were gone because they had planned well with a strong investment portfolio and insurance. This is honorable and should go into the equation, however, this is not lasting. I had a good friend that died of cancer at age 54. I know with life insurance and his investments, his wife received hundreds of thousands of dollars. He died just 9 years ago, but through poor management, she is now dependent on her children to help her financially. Although this is not the norm, it points out the frailty of depending on our finances to continue our legacy.
God taught us this truth in Psalm 145:3-7, Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
This speaks of the only legacy that we, as men of God, can leave our family that is eternal. It is never too late to begin investing in this legacy. As older men, we can pour the love of and for Jesus into our adult children and grandchildren. As younger men, you can build this legacy from the ground up. Here are some practical steps we can all take.
Pray for and WITH your family. The value of praying for our family is obvious, but do not miss what God can teach as you pray with them. As the spiritual leader, you can model the priority of prayer by setting aside time out of your schedule to pray with your wife, children, and grandchildren. Watching my dad come home from his second job of the day to kneel with the family was impactful. I can remember times he was so tired from his long day; he fell asleep in the middle of his prayer. But this consistency taught me to pray.
Model the importance of the Word of God. Seeing their father reading his Bible throughout the week is a memory that will last forever. You do not need a prepared “Bible Study” to give your family. Just be willing to share with them what God has taught you in the Word. This is a springboard for inviting them to dive into the Word and tell you what they are learning.
Leave space in your life to model service to others. Include your family in these service opportunities. Look for ways to show your family how to love Jesus by loving others.
Most importantly, assure your family members have a personal relationship with Jesus. Do not assume they do, simply because they willingly go to church with you. Ask them. Even if they say yes as a young person, never stop affirming their walk with the Lord, even as they become adults. This teaches them how important this is to you. This is a lasting legacy.