The Cross of Christ means Life

Proverbs 10:7 Establishing a Godly Heritage

When I was young I gave little or no thought to how people would remember me when we parted way. The fact is I really didn't care much what they thought of me then (although, all of us prefer to be liked and appreciated). The philosophy of this world is that each of us should consider ourselves first and foremost. If others don't like "who I am" it is their problem. "To thine own self be true" is the motto of most today.

As I grow older I find myself thinking more about the heritage I will leave behind me. One of my hobbies is genealogy. I enjoy the history and the research, the discoveries of my ancestors, who they were, what they did and, how the community, friends and family thought of them, are exciting to me.

I must confess, it is of growing importance to me how my children and grandchildren, and other lives we touch, remember Margie and I. Not only that they remember us well, but that we would have contributed something: values, traditions and goals that have benefited their lives. This is especially true concerning my children and grand children. Where I once thought each family should develop on its own, I now see this family "memory" to be a Godly thing.

God wants us to pass on to future generations the values and goals He works in us. The idea that each generation must "reinvent the wheel" or "discover their own values and view of God" is destructive. We must ask ourselves, "Am I seeking God in a way that will allow me to model His eternal goals and values? Is God able to work them in me so that they will be real to those who follow?"

"Lord, grant your grace to me to receive your will and purpose. Change and transform me that my children's children's children will be influenced to Godly goals and purposes. Let the memory they have of us be a blessing to them and those they touch. Amen."

Amen - So Be It!
Shalom
Bob Goldsby

Posted: January 15, 1997