Building a Legacy
Deuteronomy 6:1-15a
He was comparatively small by height and weight, never made it beyond sixth grade, never owned a new vehicle and worked on an ice cream truck until he retired at 72. My paternal grandfather built a legacy, but not just any legacy – a positive spiritual legacy.
Building godly legacies is essential. Solomon wrote: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren” (Proverbs 13:22). The inheritance may include money and possessions, but the greater good is a history of obeying God’s commands and serving Him faithfully.
Statistics reveal that godly foundations are crucial if future generations are going to follow our example. LifeWay Research found 17-year-olds with parents who are authentic examples of the Christian faith are more likely to remain in church as young adults. Additionally, “20 percent more of those teens who stayed in church indicated they had parents or family members who discussed spiritual things, gave them spiritual guidance, and prayed together” (Parents, Churches Can Help Teens Stay in Church,” www.lifewayresearch.com).
Spiritual legacies are built on the right foundation (Deuteronomy 6:1-5). Moses commanded the Israelites to fear God, obey His commands and love Him supremely. Jesus later reiterated the same: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Loving God completely lays the groundwork for honorable priorities and practices. Children need to witness consistent holiness in their parents’ and grandparents’ lifestyles. It’s never too late to begin laying godly foundations.
Spiritual legacies are personal, but must be shared (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Parents must have God’s commands instilled in their hearts. This produces an outflow, making them a normal part of everyday conversation with their children. Whether at home or away, they are to talk about God’s love and commands. Binding and writing them as symbols on their hands, foreheads, door frames and gates would help them remember.
Our most immediate spiritual legacies extend to our children and grandchildren but shouldn’t stop there. Using our spiritual gifts in the church, community and at work helps spread our legacy even farther. Keeping a spiritual journal, recording prayers and encouraging unbelieving relatives to trust Christ are other ways to broaden our legacies.
Spiritual legacies are built by intense focus (Deuteronomy 6:10-15a). Good things were ahead for the Israelites in the Promised Land, but adopting the customs of their pagan neighbors would crumble their spiritual foundation.
Society’s gods can turn our attention from loving and serving God supremely if we don’t erect a guard. Keeping our eyes on God secures our life’s foundation and provides a legacy for those who follow us.
Wiles– Lessons in the BSL series for the spring quarter are being written by Martin Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church, Harleyville, and author of three books, including the recently published “Grace Greater Than Sin.”