Lecrae - The Overflow DevoSample

Before I Die - Derek Minor

One of the greatest days of my life was when my wife gave birth to our son. During the pregnancy, everyone told us that the love we would have for him would surpass anything we have ever experienced. Boy, were they right. Though he is totally dependent on us for all of his needs, which is extremely taxing, we don't mind it at all because he's our son and we love him.

As a father, I remember looking into his crib and thinking, "I have the responsibility of being one of the biggest influences in this kid’s life. What will I do? How will I raise this little guy?” I imagined my son as a father, staring into his child's crib and asking the same questions. Then I encountered a thought that rocked me to my core. My son would probably do what all people do when faced with a new situation—emulate their parents. Which leads me to my next thought: What will he emulate? What type of example will I leave for him to follow?

I believe the answer rests with the wise King Solomon. As we glance over his life we see a man who is well accomplished, has inexhaustible riches, and incredible influence. He's living the American Dream before there even was an America. However, Solomon says something in Ecclesiastes that is very revealing. The book opens with the Preacher proclaiming "Vanity of vanities, All is vanity." In other words, “Worthless, it's all worthless.” This is very discouraging coming from a man who has seen and acquired EVERYTHING! If we are only pursuing earthly possessions and pleasures then, according to Solomon, we are chasing a life of worthlessness.

Thankfully, Solomon leaves us with some guidance (and I think we better listen considering that God made him the wisest man other than Christ). In chapter 12, verses 13 and 14, Solomon tells us to fear God and keep His commandments. This is very intriguing. Some would even look at this as anti-climatic. Is that really it? Yes, of course it is! In Psalm 1, the scriptures proclaim that blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord. This is the point that Solomon was making! The world promises you complete satisfaction through the pursuit of vanity, but in the end your pursuits are worthless. The Lord promises if you pursue him your thirst will forever be quenched. In Matthew 11, Jesus promises rest to all of us who are weary and burdened.

So as I raise my son, the desire of my heart is to give him something of value. My prayer is that when he runs into new challenges and asks himself what I would do in those situations, the example I have left him reflects the law of the Lord. May we leave a legacy found in Christ before we die.