In our anxiousness to make money and live the good life…
… few of us take the time to put our life in order according to what I believe are the 6 elements of life by which we can serve as a model for others. Those elements from most important to least are faith, family, freedom, friends, finances and fun. Sadly the world seems in disarray because we have reversed that order putting fun and acquiring money by both ethical and unethical means first and occasionally living a life of faith and having time for family.
The importance of faith and how we are to handle it is pointed out in Psalm 78:5-6 where God makes it known to Jacob that all He (God) commanded is to be passed on to ALL future generations. This is clearly pointed out by Paul in Ephesians 6:4 when he speaks of the role of the father to be the spiritual head of the family bringing up the children in the way of the Lord. How quickly the men in our society have forgotten that and we all suffer the consequence.
One additional matter I would caution people of faith on are the words of Colossians 2:4. Part of the problem in trying to live out a righteous life are smooth talking individuals who twist and use words in a fashion that they transfer truth to an untruth. Be watchful for these individuals and stand on the truth of God’s Word clearly understood alone.
Regarding legacy and a clear understanding of God’s Word I would offer 3 primary Biblical figures who serve as examples of what to pass on to heirs. The first is Abraham who showed that our legacy is our children and all that we are (for example the six elements previously mentioned) is to be passed on as an inheritance (Genesis 25:5-6). It behooves us then that we live our lives according to the will of God.
Next we have David who in 1 Kings 2:1-9 we see pass on with his final breath spiritual advice including the words to walk before God “in truth with all their heart and all their soul (vs. 4)”. Indeed transferring property and more importantly a life of faith is the ultimate legacy.
Finally we have Christ Himself who in John 14:15-27 speaks of the gift of the Holy Spirit. The package is now complete. For each of us to be born again living a life fully wrapped in our Lord and seeing that all future generations receive the Holy Spirit as well. The correct answer now is clear but the question remains WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: A true legacy is a life lived fully in our Lord.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Psalm 78:5-6 “God’s priority for mankind”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for the legacy You have given to me and my family.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- How would you prioritize the 6 elements listed above?
- Are you passing on your faith?
- How do people transfer truth to an untruth?
- What will be your legacy?
- *** Gary Jerke *** Is a former State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
