Leaving a Legacy

Psalm 145:4

"One generation will commend your works to another.

They will tell of your mighty acts."

The other night while we were watching our wedding video, my daughter asked my husband if he had Jesus living in his heart when we got married. (I'm beginning to see such a heart for evangelism in her!)

Oh, what a precious moment! In answer to her question, Tim shared the moment he made the deliberate decision to invite Jesus into his heart. This was a red-letter moment! My heart's prayer was, "Lord, don't let her ever forget this moment." Although Tim is willing to share this with her as many times as she wants to hear it, this was a first for her. She was hearing her father's testimony. It was her daddy commending God's works (the saving of his soul) to the next generation.

Have you shared when you made the decision to invite Jesus to live in your heart? Are you actively sharing with them the way to know God, that it is through Jesus and Jesus alone - not just going to church every Sunday, not going through denominational rituals, and not just attending a really fun VBS, but through a personal relationship with Christ?

Our testimony is one of the best legacies we can leave our children. Who cares about money, property, or possessions? In the end, money, property and possessions will rot, or be destroyed, or be spent. But the building of their faith is eternal; it is the only thing that will last.

One night, while over at my parents house for dinner, I asked my Dad to share when He asked Jesus into his heart. My Dad was cooking on the grill as he often does, and I was outside talking to him, trying to spend quality time with him. Much to my surprise, tears filled his eyes as he shared how at a revival meeting when he was a young boy, he walked down front to accept Christ. He recalled his heart beating out of his chest, that he knew that the Holy Spirit was drawing him. He knew that he was a sinner and needed Jesus.

Friend, I will never forget his story. It is a treasure to me. It is my assurance that we will be together in eternity.

If you have not shared your personal testimony with your children or grandchildren, do so today. It is a gift. They may not treasure it now, but eventually they will.

And if you do not know the testimony of your parents, call and ask them. If they do not have their own personal testimony, pray for an opportunity to share yours with them.

Be willing to share with the next generation God's work in your life.

Tomorrow: Practical suggestions for laying the spiritual foundation for your children.