2022 - A greater Faith, Love and HopeSample

Building Into The Future/Legacy

Devotion:

I was only young when my grandmother passed away. My recollections of her still bring a smile to my face. I remember the jar of boiled lollies that would sit tempting me on her dining table, the choko vine that crept across the fence in her backyard, and her tiny, little asbestos home that would rattle to the foundations as the aircraft from the nearby military base came in to land. On her passing, Dad brought home some of her possessions that were left to be shared among her grandchildren. My sisters each got a small piece of jewellery or a small trinket… I received a travel pack! A small toiletry bag with an eye mask, toothbrush, miniature toothpaste tube, a comb, and a small shoehorn. Admittedly, as far as inheritances go, this one is pretty lame… But I loved it, and the fact I still recall receiving this shows the impact it had on me. The things we leave for our children and our future generations are vitally important.

Proverbs tells us that a “good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,” but this inheritance needs to be more than material possessions and wealth. We need to consider the eternal contributions we make to their future. What foundation have we laid for them? Have we carved a clear path for them to follow? Have our actions directed them in good and Godly ways? Have we passed on our understanding of God’s power, provision, and purposes like Joel 1:3 directs us to? Psalms 127:3-5 compares our children to arrows in a warrior’s hand. I have always loved this analogy. When it comes to hand-to-hand battle, a warrior may carry any number of weapons into the fray. The sword is efficient at dealing with the threat at hand, and shields defend us from the ferocity of our foe, yet only an arrow can neutralise threats while they are still a way off. When crafted well and wielded skillfully, an arrow will effectively take down those threats that are not yet upon us. Who knows exactly what the future holds, what fights our children and our children’s children will face? Regardless of what may come, our responsibility is to ensure they are prepared. It is up to us to ensure they are sharp, strong, and fly straight. It is up to us to set their path and trajectory. What inheritance are we leaving for our children? What are we setting up today to ensure their success tomorrow?

Prayer:

Lord God, set my path and guide my steps. Let my actions today equip future generations for tomorrow. Let the seed I’ve sown be fruitful, and my investments see a return.

Amen