"The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations". Psalm 33:11
It has been said that we all will leave a legacy, the question is will it be good or bad? What will you be known for?
As I was driving home from church on Sunday through the countryside I was drawn to an old white church I pass frequently and I was reminded of the many years of history there and the many people who have heard the truth since opening it's doors in 1850. A man and some neighbors decided to start Sunday School in a barn and over the years souls have been saved, saints equipped, many baptized, families strengthened and many generations trained up and the cause of Christ continues on this very day. I was reminded of the heritage we have been given and the privilege we have to pass on our godly heritage....God's Word stands forever, His purpose continues in each generation. If we truly believe this then we can understand why the Word of God is so important and that nothing in this world can be worth more than sharing the gift of eternity.
"One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts.." Psalm 145:4. As a parent and grandparent there is no greater joy than to see your children worship the LORD not because they have to but because they want to. Our family is no different than yours and throughout our life we have had to make efforts and purpose in our hearts each day to pass on our faith to our children and our children's children.
Joshua was a man who understood who God was and he understood what God called him to. Joshua learned how to stand on his convictions when the conviction of his heart spoke to him of God's provisions as he went against the opinion of men and spied out the land and fully trusted God. He led the people to take possession of the land that the LORD promised them...and as a declaration of his faith and example of his strong leadership he declared as well that his household would serve the LORD...{Joshua 24:15}. His leadership impacted all those around him because of his faith in God and the scriptures tell us that he also impacted others to live a life of faith even after his death. "Israel served the LORD through the lifetime of Joshua and the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel" Joshua 24:31
Remember too that the passing on of his faith began to weaken in the lives of the Israelites as parents fell away from instructing the next generation for 'another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what He has done for Israel" Judges 2:10 This is such a warning for us all and quite amazing to learn that in one generation, many forgot. As parents we must continue diligently to pass on to our children and grandchildren the things of the LORD...and have them understand how God has established a work in our lives and families and the blessed privilege they have been given.
The passing on of our faith begins in our homes and as we make an impact there, we can be certain that we will make an impact in our churches, neighborhoods and community...just watch and see! As Psalm 33:11 tells us, His counsel is what stands forever and His Word is sufficient and enduring and it gives us all we need throughout each season of life. The legacy of Christ that is passed on brings an inheritance that is Eternal...far outweighing the riches of this world that will burn away someday.
My husband believed strongly in the impact one would make in the world as one first understood the impact he {or she} has within the home. He was often reminded of 2 Timothy 2:2 which Paul wrote at the end of his journey "....the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others". Timothy's life was an example of faith that began in his home through his mother and grandmother, and then it grew outward as he began to serve and as he desired to be discipled and encouraged through the church in Lystra. A powerful example of what God can do too through us as believers, touching those in our homes, and then God touching them and using them for His Divine purposes.
Paul wrote again in 2 timothy 4:7, as his journey was ending, this time a declaration of his legacy. "I have finished the race". What kind of legacy are you leaving...it is not enough to just begin to run the race but we need to run long and cross the finish line. And because of God's grace, it is not too late!
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" ~ 2 Timothy 4:7
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